# Di María: 15 Assists at Benfica in His Career
In the illustrious history of Portuguese football, one name stands out above all others – Lionel Messi. However, when it comes to assists, there is another player whose contributions to his team's success cannot be overlooked. In this article, we will take a closer look at Lionel Messi's incredible record with Barcelona and how he has helped his club achieve numerous successes.
## Lionel Messi's Early Years
Messi made his debut for Barcelona in 2004, joining from River Plate at the age of 17. He quickly became an integral part of the team, making regular appearances and scoring goals for the club. During his early years, Messi was known for his speed and agility on the field, but it wasn't until he joined AC Milan in 2009 that he truly started to make his mark as a world-class striker.
## The Move to AC Milan
When Messi moved to AC Milan, he brought with him not only his skills as a forward but also his leadership qualities. As the captain of the team, Messi was instrumental in helping the squad win multiple titles, including Serie A, UEFA Champions League, and La Liga. One of the most notable moments during this period came in the 2010 World Cup, where Messi scored two goals in three games, helping Brazil qualify for the final.
## Moving Back to Barcelona
After leaving AC Milan, Messi returned to Barcelona in 2011, bringing with him his desire to continue winning trophies for his beloved club. Since then, he has been a dominant force on the pitch, contributing to countless victories and earning himself a reputation as one of the greatest players of all time.
## Assists at Benfica
One of Messi's most impressive feats came during his tenure at Benfica. While he played for the Portuguese club for only four seasons (from 2018 to 2022), Messi still managed to amass 15 assists throughout his career. This statistic alone speaks volumes about his ability to create opportunities for his teammates and contribute to their success.
## Why 15 Assists?
While 15 assists may seem like a relatively low number compared to some other players, it should be noted that Messi's assists were crucial to his team's overall performance. In addition to being responsible for scoring goals, Messi's assists allowed his teammates to score even more, which ultimately led to victory for the club.
## Conclusion
Lionel Messi's record with Barcelona is unparalleled, and his contributions to the team's success have been invaluable. From his early days with River Plate to his current status as one of the best players in the world, Messi has left an indelible mark on the sport. While his assist tally at Benfica may not be as high as some other players, it is still a testament to his skill and talent as a player and leader. Whether he is playing for Barcelona or any other team, Lionel Messi remains one of the most important figures in modern football.