Lionel Messi continues to redefine what’s possible in Major League Soccer, turning the pitch into his personal canvas of brilliance. In a jaw-dropping 4–0 thrashing of NYCFC, the Inter Miami superstar added yet another chapter to his legendary career, cementing his place as the MLS’s ultimate game-changer. With a brace and an assist in Wednesday night’s rout, Messi brought his 2025 goal contributions to a staggering 37, becoming the first player in MLS history to record 35 or more goal involvements in consecutive seasons.
At an age when most players fade, Messi is rewriting the script. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has already surpassed his 2024 MLS MVP season, where he notched 36 goal contributions (20 goals, 16 assists) despite missing significant time due to injury and Copa América duties. This year, the 38-year-old Argentine has elevated his game even further, amassing 24 goals and 13 assists in just 23 matches. With five games remaining before the MLS Cup playoffs, Messi is not just leading Inter Miami—he’s rewriting the league’s history books.
|
Lionel Messi’s MLS Journey |
2024 |
2025 |
|---|---|---|
|
Games |
19 |
23 |
|
Goals |
20 |
24 |
|
Assists |
16 |
13 |
|
Goal Contributions |
36 |
37 |
Messi’s sights are now set on a record once thought untouchable: Carlos Vela’s 2019 MLS single-season record of 49 goal contributions. With 37 already in the bag, Messi needs just 12 more to match Vela’s tally and 13 to claim the crown outright. Given his current form, the Inter Miami captain is not just knocking on the door of history—he’s kicking it down.
The Herons’ upcoming fixtures against Toronto, Chicago Fire, New England Revolution, Atlanta United, and Nashville SC provide the perfect stage for Messi to cement his legacy. If he maintains his scoring and assisting frenzy, he could not only break Vela’s record but also secure the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, positioning him as the frontrunner for a historic back-to-back MLS MVP award. No player has ever achieved this feat, but then again, no player is Lionel Messi.
Last season’s heartbreak in the playoffs only fueled Messi’s fire. His 2024 campaign, despite its challenges, earned him the MLS MVP award and showcased his ability to dominate even when the odds were stacked against him. Now, as Inter Miami’s captain, he’s leading a pink revolution, blending jaw-dropping skill with relentless determination. Each game is a masterclass, each goal a reminder that Messi operates on a plane few can comprehend.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes are on Messi. Will he shatter Vela’s record? Will he claim the Golden Boot and MVP honors? One thing is certain: the MLS has never seen anything like Lionel Messi, and at 38, he’s proving that his greatness knows no limits. League historians are already scrambling to update the record books, and fans are left in awe of a player who continues to defy time and expectations.