Lionel Messi’s Dominance in Major League Soccer
Lionel Messi is proving to be an unstoppable force in Major League Soccer (MLS) as he enters his second year with Inter Miami. The Argentine legend, who captured the MLS Most Valuable Player award for the 2024 season after netting 20 goals and providing 16 assists across just 19 appearances, appears determined to elevate his performance even further this year. Following their record-breaking achievement of accumulating the most points in a season last year and clinching the Supporters’ Shield, Miami looks poised to reclaim the top spot in the standings—largely thanks to Messi’s incredible play.
Historic Milestones and Recent Performances
As he prepared to face FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night, Messi had already achieved an unprecedented milestone, scoring multiple goals in five straight regular-season matches—the first time in MLS history. Prior instances of players reaching four consecutive multi-goal games pale in comparison. Although this stunning achievement coincided with his participation in the Club World Cup, it has not gone unnoticed. Messi managed to net two goals in victories against CF Montréal and the Columbus Crew on May 28 and May 31, respectively. He also played a critical role in MLS’s only win in the Club World Cup by scoring a free kick against Porto, ensuring Miami’s advancement to the knockout stage and cementing its status as the only representative from the league.
Upon returning to domestic play, Messi has reportedly expressed his desire to make a statement while speculation surrounds his future with the club. Sources affiliated with both him and Miami have suggested that he is close to finalizing a contract extension to stay in South Florida.
Impressive Statistics and Team Performance
In his latest performances, Messi recorded two goals in each of his past three wins, against Montréal, the New England Revolution, and Nashville SC. This impressive run currently brings his total to 16 goals—tying him with Nashville’s Sam Surridge for the league’s scoring lead—alongside seven assists in 16 matches. Despite trailing the Philadelphia Union by five points in the Supporters’ Shield standings, Miami has three games in hand and has been maintaining a robust average of two points per game, outperforming the Union’s tally of 1.95. Over the past ten games, Miami boasts a record of 6-2-2 and has remained undefeated in MLS play since May 17, riding a five-match win streak during Messi’s scoring spree.
Coach’s Praise and Messi’s Skill
Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi following the win against Nashville, stating,
“There are no words. What he continues to do is incredible—breaking records every three days. He is the flagbearer of this team, setting the standard for our competition and encouraging his teammates. It’s a blessing to witness this chapter of his career.”
Messi’s scoring barrage is not just impressive in quantity, but also in quality. The variety of his strikes stands out, with five goals scored from outside the box—an achievement surpassed by only a handful of MLS teams this season. The streak began with a superb long-range goal during a 4-2 victory over Montréal, where Messi artfully maneuvered past defenders and demonstrated his trademark precise finishing. Similarly, his second goal showcased his exceptional ability to expertly loft the ball past the keeper.
Moreover, a bit of fortune also played a role in his prolific run. In a match against Columbus Crew, Messi capitalized on a blunder from the opposing goalkeeper, Nicholas Hagen, leading to an early goal. Messi’s ability to find the net was further validated with a brace in another match against Montréal, showcasing his unmatched skill in utilizing space and creating scoring opportunities.
Conclusion: A Legendary Career Continues
Despite the challenges posed by his competition, Messi remained true to his style, with his goals vividly demonstrating his extraordinary dribbling and finishing techniques. His latest free kick against Nashville added yet another highlight to his career, bringing his total to an astounding 69 free kicks scored. This remarkable scoring streak is not just a testament to Messi’s talent but serves as a showcase of his ability to dominate in diverse ways on the soccer field. Clearly, he shows no signs of slowing down in his legendary career.
