Lionel Messi once again reminded the world why his story remains football’s most enduring masterpiece as he created another chapter of brilliance in Major League Soccer.
The Argentine captain delivered a hat-trick of assists during Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over the New England Revolution, a performance that moved him past 40 combined goals and assists in the 2025 season.
That figure places Messi in an exclusive club previously owned only by Carlos Vela whose record-breaking 2019 season for LAFC produced 49 goal involvements.
With two league games left in Miami’s schedule it seems unlikely that Messi will reach that total but no one can deny the impact Rosario native has on MLS and Inter Miami.
Miami’s journey under Messi has been one of transformation from an ambitious newcomer into a genuine contender in the MLS.
The Herons missed the Supporters’ Shield this year after being crowned last season’s best regular-season team but they still have everything to play for as Messi and his side now look to the postseason as their greatest chance to lift a trophy this year.
Messi’s influence has been undeniable as he has scored 24 goals in MLS this year along with 17 assists.
List of some MLS records Lionel Messi has created
Messi is the first player in Inter Miami history to record 100 goal contributions achieving the feat in just 80 appearances.
He has scored 66 goals and assisted 35 times in all competitions for Inter Miami.
In 2024 Messi broke the MLS record for most assists in a single match providing five against the New York Red Bulls and adding a goal in that 6–2 win.
That same game also gave him the record for the most goal contributions in one fixture totaling six.
Under his leadership Miami collected 74 points in the 2024 regular season the highest total ever by any MLS side. The club’s first Supporters’ Shield arrived that year as Messi became the league’s Most Valuable Player.