In the MLS regular season, Inter Miami travelled away to face New York City and secured a resounding 4-0 victory. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi started the match and shone brightly, contributing two goals and one assist, proving to be the decisive figure in the team’s win.
With this result, Inter Miami climbed to third place in the Eastern Conference and sealed a spot in the playoffs ahead of schedule.
Messi Continues to Break Records
From the start, Inter Miami took control of the game quickly. In the 15th minute, Messi latched onto a cross from the flank and calmly slotted the ball into the net, opening the scoring.
This goal marked his 16th consecutive MLS match with either a goal or an assist, equaling the record previously held by Carlos Vela and now just one short of the legendary Preki’s record of 17 games.
In first-half stoppage time, Messi once again showcased his brilliance. Carrying the ball from midfield, he delivered a perfectly timed through pass to assist a teammate, who finished with ease to make it 2-0 heading into halftime.
Early in the second half, Messi continued to dominate the game. In the 58th minute, he received the ball outside the box, made a quick adjustment, and fired a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner, extending the lead to 3-0.
In the 75th minute, Inter Miami maintained their pressure, and a substitute found the net to seal the 4-0 scoreline.
Messi Sets New Milestones, Becomes First in MLS History
With this performance, the 38-year-old Messi set yet another MLS record, becoming the first player in league history to register at least 35 goal contributions (goals + assists) in back-to-back seasons.
So far this season, Messi has made 33 appearances for Inter Miami, scoring 29 goals and providing 13 assists. Including the FIFA Club World Cup, his tally rises to 30 goals.
Remarkably, this was also Messi’s eighth brace in his last 12 MLS matches. He now joins an elite group, becoming only the fourth player in MLS history to record eight braces in a single season, alongside Zlatan Ibrahimović (2019), Mamadou Diallo (2000), and Stern John (1998).
Career Milestones
Following this match, Messi’s career goal total climbed to 884. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, he has featured in 76 games, contributing 64 goals and 31 assists.
Currently, Inter Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference table with 16 wins, six draws, and seven losses, having already secured a playoff berth. The team has scored 64 goals this season, with Messi directly involved in 32 of them, accounting for half of the total.
Inter Miami’s Performance on the Rise
Messi’s arrival has clearly elevated Inter Miami’s overall performance this season. The team has shown substantial improvement in both attack and defence, averaging more than two goals per game.
With the playoffs approaching, Inter Miami, led by Messi, looks set to continue making history.
