Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are on the verge of qualifying for their first MLS Cup, with the 38-year-old Argentine superstar showing no signs of slowing down. The Herons are eager to claim a trophy to cap off the season, facing New York City FC in the Eastern Conference finals at Chase Stadium this Saturday. Under the leadership of Javier Mascherano, the team has maintained a shutout streak of over 200 minutes. However, the playoffs have made it clear: Miami’s success hinges on Messi’s performance.
This comes as no shock, as Messi was unquestionably the standout player in MLS this season. He topped the league with 29 goals—five more than any competitor—along with 19 assists, sharing the top assist position with Anders Dreyer, and recorded 157 shots on goal. Notably, 28 of these goals were scored without penalties, setting a new MLS record, achieved in only 28 games of the regular 34-game schedule. At 38, Messi continues to be an unstoppable force, unparalleled in MLS and world soccer.
The playoffs have further spotlighted his brilliance.
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. New York City FC
- Date: November 29 (Saturday) | Time: 6 PM ET
- Location: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live Stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Inter Miami -210; Draw +360; New York City FC +490
Messi has contributed 12 goals in the playoffs—an MLS record for the most by any player—and leads all playoff teams with six goals and six assists in just four matches. He has uniquely managed the feat of being involved in every goal Miami scored during this playoff run, showcasing his incredible abilities.
Historically, no team has won the MLS Cup with one player involved in every goal. If Inter Miami can achieve this while maintaining Messi’s form, they could etch their name in history. Taylor Twellman, an MLS legend, once reached the finals with New England Revolution in 2007, but they fell short against the Houston Dynamo, scoring just three goals. Miami has already scored 12 goals this postseason, setting a significant pace.
Players Need to Be Involved in Every Goal Contribution
Play at least 4 games
| Year | Player | Team | Goals | Assists | Total Contributions | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | 6 | 6 | 12 | 4 |
| 2018 | Daniel Royer | New York Red Bulls | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| 2007 | Taylor Twellman | New England Revolution | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
The gap between Messi’s goal contributions and those of other players on this list is evident. The league MVP has yet to be named, but it would be astonishing if someone other than Messi claimed the award, especially considering his record-breaking season.
Though Messi hasn’t won a trophy this season yet, Miami demonstrated its potential by defeating Porto in the Club World Cup, achieving the distinction of being the first MLS team to win against a team from one of Europe’s top five leagues—largely thanks to Messi’s impact.
Key Statistics
- 48 Goal Contributions: With 29 goals and 19 assists, Messi’s season is second only to Carlos Vela’s in 2019, who had 49 total contributions.
- 7 Consecutive Games: Messi’s consistency is evident, with contributions in every game since September 30, totaling 11 goals and 11 assists in that span.
- 0 Trophies This Season: Despite past successes like the Supporters’ Shield and League Cup, securing an MLS Cup remains the goal, with NYCFC being the only former MLS Cup champions left in the playoffs.
The playoffs have heightened the intensity for Miami, as last season’s first-round exit lingers in their minds. Without a trophy, the current season may not be regarded as a success. With Messi on the roster, expectations are higher than ever, and while they aim for the MLS Cup, failing to achieve it could prompt reevaluation of the team’s direction.
Editorial Opinion
This news is a pivotal moment for soccer fans as it highlights the extraordinary impact Messi continues to have on the MLS, raising the league’s profile on a global scale. If Inter Miami clinches the Cup with Messi’s historic contributions, it could fundamentally change the narrative around American soccer and inspire a new generation of players and fans.
