Can a Player Score a Hat Trick of Assists in Football?
Football has always been a game of wonder and surprise, and the possibility of a player accomplishing a stunning feat such as scoring a hat trick of assists is no exception. In fact, Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has achieved this remarkable feat four times in his illustrious career. Let's delve into these extraordinary moments.
The Messi Hat Trick of Assists
Messi has delivered a stunning performance by providing three assists in a single match, a truly remarkable achievement. Here are some notable instances of his exceptional skill:
VS Levante Copa Del Rey 2013–14
Messi’s first hat trick of assists was observed during the Copa Del Rey match against Levante. All three assists were passed to Cristian Tello, a testament to Messi's tactical vision and perfect execution.
VS Paraguay Copa America 2015
This hat trick of assists took place during the semi-final match of the Copa America in 2015. The beneficiaries of these assists were Javier Pastore, Marcos Rojo, and Gonzalo Higuain.
VS Getafe La Liga 2015–16
In another memorable game, Messi delivered three assists to Munir El-Haddadi and Neymar on two occasions, concluding an extraordinary performance for Barca.
VS Real Betis La Liga 2019–20
Messi’s achievement was further reinforced in the 2019–20 season, as he passed the ball to De Jong, Busquets, and Lenglet for three assists.
Recent Update: VS Saint-Etienne
Shortly after his previous record, Messi achieved another remarkable hat trick of assists against Saint-Etienne, with Marquinhos and Di Maria benefiting from his precision passes.
These examples illustrate the exceptional skill and vision Messi possesses, setting new standards in the world of football assists.
A Deceptive Concept
While a player cannot officially score a hat trick of assists (in the traditional sense of scoring three goals), it is possible for a player to have three assists in a single match. This is a common occurrence, making it all the more impressive when a player achieves this feat. One notable instance of this is when Bobby Firmino achieved this against Southampton on 01.02.2020. Here’s a shot of the event from Google Images to give you an idea of what such a moment looks like on the pitch.
Bobby Firmino’s Hat Trick of Assists
On that particularly memorable day, Bobby Firmino dazzled with his ability to assist, making it a joy for fans of the sport. His performance is just one example of the many players who regularly contribute three assists in a game.
Technicalities in Scoring
From a statistical and technical perspective, a 'hat trick of assists' is a non-standard term. In the world of football, a hat trick of goals is possible and highly celebrated, but similar recognition is not given to a hat trick of assists. The reason is simple: only a player who scores three goals can be credited with a hat trick.
However, having three assists in a single match is a notable achievement. From the standpoint of a player's professional career, it is recorded similarly to how any employee's contributions are acknowledged in their professional record. Each player's game data is meticulously logged, providing a comprehensive record for future reference and analysis.
In essence, while the term 'hat trick of assists' doesn't officially exist in the traditional sense, a player can indeed have three assists in a single match, and this is recognized and recorded in various ways within the football community and media.
Thus, the football world continues to witness and celebrate these extraordinary moments, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the beautiful game.