Messi at 38: Celebrating a Legacy of Partnerships and Goal Contributions

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    <p>Direct Goals & Assists</p>

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    <p>Today we celebrate the birthday of the legendary Lionel Messi, who turns 38 years old. Throughout his illustrious career, the Argentine superstar has amassed an impressive array of achievements, including four Champions League titles, twelve top-flight league championships, a World Cup, two Copa Américas, and eight Ballon d'Or awards. While his peak years may be behind him, Messi continues to demonstrate his extraordinary talent, exemplified by a stunning free-kick that contributed to Inter Miami's victory over Porto in the Club World Cup last week. No player has executed more dribbles than Messi at this summer's tournament to date.</p>

    <p>Throughout his career, Messi has teamed up with numerous exceptionally talented players both at club and international levels. At <em>Transfermarkt</em>, we've identified the players with the most direct goal involvement (goals and assists combined) alongside Messi, and it's an impressive lineup.</p>

    <h2>Top Players with Goal Participations Alongside Lionel Messi</h2>

    <p>At the top of the list is Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, who has recorded an astounding 116 goal participations (GP) with Messi during their time together at Barcelona and currently at Inter Miami. The two share a close friendship and have played together in 302 matches. Following closely is Neymar, the third member of the famous Barça 'MSN' trio, with 67 GP from 206 games at Barcelona and PSG. In third place is former Barcelona winger Pedro, who boasts 54 GP from 270 matches with Messi. Legendary Barça midfielder Andrés Iniesta ranks fourth with 53 GP from 489 games alongside Messi.</p>

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    <p>Fifth place goes to Brazilian full-back Dani Alves, who has achieved 48 GP in 349 Barcelona matches with Messi. Xavi, the legendary Spanish midfielder, comes in sixth with 42 GP from 399 matches with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Seventh is Jordi Alba, also with 42 GP but from 395 games at both Barcelona and Miami. Eight is Kylian Mbappé, who has 34 GP in just 67 matches with Messi at PSG. Finally, midfielder Sergio Busquets ranks ninth with 29 GP across an impressive 625 games with Messi at Barcelona and Inter Miami, while Croatian Ivan Rakitic rounds out the top ten with 27 GP in 277 matches.</p>
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