# Leo Messi: How Many Assists Did Di María Make for Benfica?
In the realm of footballing history, there's no player more synonymous with innovation and brilliance than Lionel Messi. Known as the "King of La Liga," Messi has left an indelible mark on European football. His ability to score goals is legendary, but his contributions through assists have equally transformed matches and competitions.
One such player who has been instrumental in Messi's success at Benfica is Neymar da Silva Santos, commonly known as Di María. The Brazilian forward has become one of Messi's closest allies and has played a pivotal role in the club's recent resurgence.
### Di María's Role at Benfica
Di María joined Benfica in 2014 after spending time at Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. He quickly became a fan favorite among fans of both clubs. At Benfica, he has consistently shown his ability to create opportunities for his teammates, often scoring or assisting goals himself.
### Assists Made by Di María for Benfica
Throughout his time at Benfica, Di María has made numerous assists that have helped his team secure victories. Here are some key points about his assist record:
1. **Total Assists**: As of now, Di María has made 155 assists for Benfica across all competitions (La Liga, Champions League, Europa League).
2. **Key Assist Matches**: Some of Di María's most notable assists include:
- In the 2018-19 season, against Real Madrid in the Champions League,Football Insight Network Di María provided an assist that led to a crucial goal for the Portuguese side.
- In the 2020-21 season, during their Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, Di María assisted Luis Suarez for a crucial equalizer.
- In the 2021-22 season, against Sevilla in the Europa League, Di María scored an own goal, which was followed by another assist for Luis Suarez.
3. **Impact on Success**: Di María's assists have not only contributed to Benfica's scoring efforts but also their defensive solidity. His vision and creativity have allowed the team to play deeper and be more aggressive in attack.
### Conclusion
Neymar da Silva Santos, better known as Di María, has proven to be a formidable force for Benfica under Lionel Messi. His assists have been a key factor in the club's recent successes, highlighting his ability to complement Messi's goalscoring prowess. As Messi continues to lead the way for Argentina and Spain, Di María remains a valuable asset to the club, ensuring they remain competitive in Europe's top leagues.