Lionel Messi, the Argentina captain and Inter Miami superstar, is in scintillating form, rewriting the narrative of his 2025 MLS season with a breathtaking run of performances. After a challenging start, Messi has scored braces in four consecutive league games, positioning himself as a frontrunner for the MLS MVP award and within reach of one of the league’s most iconic records.
A Turnaround for the Ages
The season didn’t begin smoothly for Inter Miami. A humbling 3–0 defeat to rivals Orlando City on May 19, 2025, at Chase Stadium sparked doubts about the team’s direction under head coach Javier Mascherano. Critics were vocal, and Messi’s modest tally of five goals and two assists in his first 10 league matches fueled skepticism. But in just over a month, Messi has silenced the doubters, transforming Inter Miami into a formidable force.
🐐🤯⬇️
Montréal: ⚽⚽
Columbus: ⚽⚽
Montréal: ⚽⚽
New England: ⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/LuEAIv86FB— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 10, 2025
The spark came during the FIFA Club World Cup, where Messi’s stunning free-kick against Porto ignited his resurgence. He followed it with a two-goal masterclass against CF Montréal, another brace against Columbus Crew, and most recently, a clinical performance against a struggling New England Revolution. Even against a lower-ranked Eastern Conference side, Messi’s brilliance was undeniable.
Four Games, Four Braces
Messi’s recent form is nothing short of extraordinary. Over his last four MLS matches—against Columbus Crew, CF Montréal (twice), and New England—he has scored two goals in each, amassing nine goals and four assists in his last five league outings. His season totals now stand at 14 goals and seven assists, leading Inter Miami by a wide margin. Teammates Tadeo Allende (seven goals), Telasco Segovia (five), and Luis Suárez (five) trail far behind.
This blistering run has not only revitalized Inter Miami’s campaign but also thrust Messi back into the MVP conversation. With his team climbing the standings, the Argentine legend is once again the most electrifying player in MLS.
Chasing the Golden Boot and History
Messi is now second in the MLS Golden Boot race, trailing only Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge. With Inter Miami having played three fewer games than Nashville, this weekend’s clash between the two sides offers Messi a prime opportunity to close the gap. His current pace suggests he could challenge Carlos Vela’s single-season MLS goal record of 34, set in 2019. To match it, Messi would need to average just over 1.2 goals per game across the remaining 16 regular-season matches—a daunting task, but one that seems achievable given his current form.
Messi’s Stage
Whether or not he surpasses Vela’s record, Messi’s impact on MLS is undeniable. His recent performances have reaffirmed his status as a global icon, turning every match into a showcase of his unparalleled skill. With Inter Miami firing on all cylinders and Messi in unstoppable form, the stage is set for a historic season that could see decades-old records fall.