Lionel Messi continues to demonstrate that his impact in Major League Soccer is unprecedented. In the match against the New England Revolution, the Inter Miami captain provided three assists and reached 40 goals generated in the 2025 season. But beyond the match, the milestone is huge: with these three assists, the Argentine reached 100 direct goal contributions with Inter Miami -66 goals and 34 assists- in just 80 games.
At 38 years of age, Messi is enjoying his best moment since arriving in the United States, and he is doing so with an Inter Miami side that has already secured its ticket to the MLS playoffs, but is looking to climb the standings to go into the postseason with momentum.
Chasing Carlos Vela’s record
Messi’s next big target is in sight: Carlos Vela’s record, who in 2019 reached 49 goal contributions in a single season with Los Angeles FC, a mark that seemed unattainable. At his current pace, Messi could match or even surpass it before the end of the regular season, especially if Inter Miami advances to the final rounds.
The team led by Mascherano depends more than ever on its captain. After the elimination in the Leagues Cup against Seattle Sounders, the focus is completely on winning the MLS title, the only trophy Messi lacks on US soil.
A historic figure worldwide
In addition to the local record, Messi is approaching another legendary number: 400 assists in his professional career. With three this weekend, the Argentine reached 395, a figure that no active player comes close to matching. No active footballer even surpasses 300, which shows the magnitude of the Argentine’s achievement.
TOP 10 BEST ASSISTERS IN HISTORY
- 1- Lionel Messi (400 assists)
- 2- Luis Figo (283 assists)
- Neymar (280 assists)
- David Beckham (272 assists)
- 5 – Ryan Giggs (271 assists)
- 6- Cristiano Ronaldo (257 assists)
- 7- Thierry Henry (246 assists)
- 8- Luis Suarez (243 assists)
- 9- Thomas Müller (242 assists)
- 10- Frank Ribery (241 assists)
His contributions not only reflect his relevance, but also his adaptation to North American soccer. In an increasingly competitive league, Messi has raised the level of Inter Miami and helped to consolidate the popularity of the sport in the United States.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup
With the World Cup just around the corner, Messi could arrive at the 2026 tournament after one of the most complete seasons of his career. Argentina, the reigning world champion, has a generation of enormous talent and experience. If projections are met, the Albiceleste captain will arrive at the tournament with new records under his belt and the opportunity to extend his legend.
The Argentine star continues to prove that there is no age to reinvent oneself nor limits to continue making history.
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