[LONGHAIR]

The real question here is, Why would you replace the center link? Unless it is damaged (bent) from a crash or something like that, there is no reason to replace one. There are no "wear" parts on it. It is a simple (fairly straight) steel bar with "connection points", (tie-rod tapers). That alone would stop this kind of mistake.
Also, for those who are inexperienced yet willing to tackle this kind of thing, there are two techniques to help with this.
First take a digital picture for reference.
Second, and probably more important, don't take everything apart at once. Remove one "section" and replace it, making sure that if fits the "old" components that were left on. Then move on to the others.
In this case: Assuming you do need to replace the center link. First pop the inner toe-rod ends from it. Remove the link itself and install the new one. Slide the "old" tie-rod ends in to "test" Then R/R the outer ends. Personally, If I am replacing both tie-rod ends (inner & outer) on the same side, I use a new connector sleeve too. This does two things for you. First, it saves the hassle of taking the old one apart. Second, it gives you an exact reference as to the length of the old one when you assemble the new tie-rod. It gets you a lot closer to the correct toe setting from the start.
Unfortunately, this is all too late for the OP, but it might help the next guy.