Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are on the brink of making history, just one victory away from clinching their first MLS Cup. The 38-year-old Argentine superstar continues to defy age as the Herons gear up to secure a title in the Eastern Conference finals against New York City FC at Chase Stadium this Saturday. Under the guidance of Javier Mascherano, they have maintained a remarkable defensive record, shutting out opponents for over 200 minutes during the playoffs, but it’s clear that Messi will be the key to Miami’s success.
Unsurprisingly, Messi has emerged as the standout player in MLS this season, leading the league in scoring with 29 goals—five more than any rival—while also contributing 19 assists, tied for the league lead. Notably, he achieved 28 non-penalty goals, setting a new MLS record, despite appearing in only 28 matches of the regular season. At 38, Messi remains an extraordinary talent, demonstrating a level of play that continues to captivate fans across the globe.
As the playoffs progressed, Messi only elevated his impact, netting 12 goals—an unmatched performance in MLS history. He tops both goals and assist charts in the playoffs, achieving this in just four games. Miami’s fortunes hinge on Messi’s exceptional contributions, which could allow them to create newfound history this postseason, especially if they can win the title while he plays a pivotal role.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. New York City FC, odds:
- Date: November 29th (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’s playoff record is unprecedented; he has been involved in every goal for Miami, marking a stark contrast to past players. While the league MVP hasn’t been officially announced, it’s hard to envision anyone other than Messi taking the accolade, given his outstanding season.
Despite not yet claiming a trophy this season, Messi’s presence has already bolstered Miami’s profile, notably with their recent victory over Porto in the Club World Cup, marking them as the first MLS team to triumph over a team from Europe’s elite leagues. Here’s a breakdown of Messi’s staggering performance:
48: Goal Contributions During MLS Regular Season
Messi’s impressive tally of 29 goals and 19 assists is second only to Carlos Vela’s record in 2019, making him a formidable player on the field and a crucial asset for Miami. Messi stood out with 16 of his 19 assists being primary, showcasing his premier playmaking ability.
The challenge of containing Messi on the field is considerable; his unique talent and ability to exploit space create opportunities for his teammates, leading to Miami’s impressive 12 goal contributions in the playoffs—the highest of any team.
7: Consecutive Games with a Goal or Assist
Messi’s consistency is remarkable; he hasn’t missed a match contribution since September 30 and has been directly responsible for 11 goals and 11 assists during that stretch. Miami’s performance falls in line with Messi’s, as they struggled in matches where he didn’t contribute.
0: Trophies This Season
Though Messi has helped win the Supporters’ Shield and League Cup, the focus now turns to securing the MLS Cup against NYCFC, the last remaining champions in the playoffs. The pressure is on Miami to compete at a high level as they aim to retire legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets with a trophy.
This postseason has upped Miami’s intensity; last year’s early exit is now forgotten, but their expectations are monumental with Messi on the roster. Failure to win the MLS Cup will lead to scrutiny—an unusual position for any team, especially with Messi’s star power.
Editorial Take
This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights Messi’s transformative impact on MLS and its growing global stature. A potential championship win would not only elevate Inter Miami but also bolster the league’s credibility, attracting more talent and attention to American soccer.
