The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was at the top of his form with Inter Miami, contributing to the 4-0 victory against Atlanta United. He scored twice in this match, signing his ninth multi-goal performance of the season – a new MLS record.
Messi's double against Atlanta brings him to 26 goals in MLS, putting him ahead of the race for the Golden Boot. He is two goals ahead of Denis Bouanga, emblematic figure of LAFC, and is favorite to retain his MVP title. If successful, he would become the first player to win back-to-back MVP titles.
Messi also reached 44 total goals for the 2025 season, five points behind former LAFC and Mexico striker Carlos Vela, who had 49 in 2019. Inter Miami qualified for the playoffs. They will conclude their regular season against Nashville on Saturday. The Herons gained home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
They will expect Messi to produce more magical moments in the playoffs, with his latest outing rewriting the record books. The timeless 38-year-old became the first player to score nine games with more than one goal in a single season. Former LA Galaxy point guard Ibrahimovic is one of the players to have scored eight (in 2019), alongside Stern John for the Columbus Crew in 1998 and Mamadou Diallo with Tampa Bay in 2000.
Why Messi was able to leave the Argentine selection for MLS
Messi's presence against Atlanta was uncertain after his selection in the last Argentine selection. However, he did not play in the friendly against Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium and did not need to leave Florida, as the Albiceleste's match against Puerto Rico on Tuesday was moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. He was thus authorized to return to his club.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi's release to MLS:
“Before the match, I spoke to (Lionel) Scaloni (Argentina coach), and he said no, that he would not use him, that he would leave him on the bench. I then chatted with Leo to see if he could play. It was his decision, and he clearly saw the opportunity that if he didn't play against Venezuela, we could use it. Leo, of course, was willing to do it.
“He's a very special player, an icon, and even though he didn't train last week with us, we saw what he did. He helped us win, he scored. » It was important to him.
Alba and Busquets retire
Inter Miami are hoping to deliver the perfect farewell to Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, after announcing that the two Barcelona legends will retire at the end of the 2025 season. Mascherano is determined to help his former Camp Nou teammates win another major title.
He added: “It is a privilege for me, with him (Alba) and Busi, to be able to come back with them after seven years, to continue to live with them on a daily basis, to share their daily life. Unfortunately, I may be their last coach… it makes me a little nostalgic. He was one of the best in history. »
