Conflicting Reports on Messi’s 2026 Goal and Assist Totals

One article claims Messi reached 40 goals in 44 appearances with 21 assists in 2026; another reports 36 goals and 19 assists in 40 games across 2025–26. A newly read milestone article repeats the 21-assist claim and says this is his ninth year with 20-plus assists, but provides no independent verification and does not resolve the differing windows.