Lionel Messi is the MVP of the 2024 MLS season with 20 goals and 16 assists after only 19 matches in the official season. This year, El Pulga seems determined to break his own record to once again make his mark on the football map of the land of the stars and stripes.
Inter Miami have set a record for the highest points tally in a single season (2024) on the way to the Supporters' Shield. Currently, the pink team is once again on track to lead the MLS's official season rankings thanks to Messi's recent brilliant form.
Last Wednesday evening (US time), in the match against FC Cincinnati, Messi had a streak of scoring at least 1 goal in 5 consecutive matches. He became the first player in MLS history to do so. Right after the Club World Cup ended, that achievement of Messi was mentioned more because in the land of the stars and stripes, MLS was no longer overshadowed by FIFA tournaments.
Since stopping at the Club World Cup and returning to MLS to compete, M10 seems to want to confirm his future when there are many rumors that he will leave Inter Miami, or if he stays, he will co-own the team with owner David Beckham.
In the last 3 matches, M10 scored 2 goals against opponents Montreal, New England Revolution and Nashville SC. This achievement has helped El Pulga increase his total goals in the current MLS season to 16, equal to Nashville's Sam Surridge. Not only that, the Argentine superstar has 7 assists.
Although Inter Miami are 5 points behind the top team Philadelphia Union, they have not played in 3 matches. Inter Miami's average points rate per game is 2, surpassing Philadelphia Union's 1.95. In the last 10 matches, Inter Miami have won 6, drawn 2 and lost 2. They have been unbeaten in MLS since May 17, accompanied by a series of 5 consecutive wins, coinciding with Messi's current brilliant scoring streak.
"There are no words to describe it. What Messi is really doing is so incredible. Every 3 days, he breaks the record.
I still say in the dressing room every day that Messi is the pioneer for Inter Miami. Messi sets the standard for the whole team to look up and learn from. He is a true leader, who always encourages his teammates, shows us how to continue to move forward. Above all, Messi always maintains the spirit and enthusiasm for the whole team.
It is a great honor to be a part of Messi during this period" - captainlier Mascherano shared. Mascherano was also a teammate of Messi at Barcelona.
Of the 30 teams in MLS 2025 so far, only 8 have scored more than 5 goals from long-range shots outside the box. This is the number Messi is achieving, showing how great his influence is in the tournament. After the match against Montreal, no player had more passes than Messi, with 3.9 per 90 minutes. Both goals against Montreal showed skillful moves, making M10 the fear of the whole tournament.
After scoring against FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup, Messi has had 69 free kicks in his career. He is only 8 goals behind the leader - "Shooting King" Juninho. From now until retirement, if they continue to maintain their current form, the record-breaking El Pulga day could come very soon.
