Lionel Messi continues to etch his legacy into the MLS record books with Inter Miami, proving that even at 38, his brilliance knows no bounds. Despite a three-match goal drought and the possibility of missing the Herons’ final regular-season home game, the Argentine maestro delivered a masterclass in Inter Miami’s commanding 4–1 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday night, dishing out three assists to cement his place among the league’s all-time greats.
Messi’s performance pushed his season tally to an astonishing 24 goals and 17 assists, making him only the second player in MLS’s 30-year history to surpass 40 goal contributions in a single season. The record he now shares? None other than Mexican legend Carlos Vela, who set the benchmark with 49 contributions for LAFC in 2019. With this feat, Messi has also reached a jaw-dropping 100 goal contributions (66 goals, 34 assists) in just 80 appearances for Inter Miami across all competitions—a testament to his unparalleled impact.
On a night dedicated to honoring Sergio Busquets’s illustrious career, it was Messi who stole the spotlight. He orchestrated the attack with surgical precision, setting up Tadeo Allende’s opener in the 32nd minute before linking up with longtime Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba for a stunning brace. The Messi-Alba connection, a familiar sight for Busquets, was a nostalgic reminder of their days dominating European football. “Messi gave us the possibility of opening the score and then securing the win,” head coach Javier Mascherano said postgame. “Not only with the pass for Jordi, but when New England made it 2–1, he responded with an assist that only he can give.”
Allende, who also scored twice, marveled at Messi’s consistency: “This is routine for him. If he doesn’t punish you with goals, he punishes you with assists.”
While Messi’s assist haul strengthens his case for a second consecutive MLS MVP award, his grip on the Golden Boot is loosening. Leading the race with 24 goals, he likely has just one game left in the regular season. Hot on his heels is LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, who sits at 23 goals and has four games remaining, including a pivotal clash against Atlanta United on Sunday. Bouanga, in scintillating form alongside Son Heung-min, could yet overtake the Argentine icon.
Despite Messi’s individual brilliance, 2025 has been a bittersweet year for Inter Miami. The Herons entered the season with lofty ambitions, eyeing the FIFA Club World Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, MLS Supporters’ Shield, and Leagues Cup. Yet, all but one have slipped through their grasp. The MLS Cup remains their final shot at glory, a chance to erase the sting of last season’s first-round playoff exit.
With the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs kicking off on October 24, Inter Miami will face a best-of-three series, likely against the sixth or seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. The Philadelphia Union, having clinched the Supporters’ Shield, will take on the Eastern Conference Wild Card winner, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason.