Federico Dimarco has set a new Serie A single-season assist record for a defender, but the Inter Milan wing-back is now within sight of a far more prestigious milestone held by Lionel Messi. The 26-year-old Italian international registered his 17th league assist of the campaign during Inter's recent victory, surpassing the previous best of 16 set by Atalanta's Papu Gomez in the 2019-20 season. With four Serie A matches remaining, Dimarco now has the all-time European top-five league record for a defender in his sights, a mark of 21 assists set by Messi during the 2011-12 La Liga season while playing for Barcelona.
Dimarco's creative output this season has been a cornerstone of Inter's successful title defence, providing a constant and potent threat from the left flank. His blend of pinpoint crossing, intelligent link-up play, and set-piece delivery has made him one of the most productive defenders in European football. According to Opta data cited in the Italian press, his 17 assists from open play alone this term already represent the highest tally for any defender in a single season across Europe's major leagues since detailed records began.
The player's remarkable form has naturally intensified speculation about his future at San Siro, with his current contract reportedly containing a release clause in the region of €90 million. Sources close to the club, speaking to TransfersDaily on condition of anonymity, indicate that Inter's priority is to secure Dimarco to a new, improved long-term deal that would remove or significantly increase that clause. The club's management views him as a fundamental part of their project under coach Simone Inzaghi and are keen to ward off interest from several Premier League and La Liga clubs who have been monitoring his situation.
For Dimarco, an academy graduate of the club, the immediate focus remains on finishing the season strongly and chasing Messi's historic benchmark. Achieving that feat would not only cement his individual campaign as one of the most creative in modern history but would also provide a significant boost to Inter's final points tally. His progression from a promising loanee to a record-breaking stalwart exemplifies his importance to the Nerazzurri, making his continued presence in Milan a paramount concern for the club's sporting directors ahead of the summer transfer window.
