SUMMARY
- Lionel Messi has been on a tear since the beginning of the new season.
- Messi has recently broken two separate records to prolongate his legendary career.
Lionel Messi is no stranger to breaking records. Ever since stepping into the world scene, Messi has managed to hold several impressive accomplishments to his name. Major League Soccer (MLS) has been the most recent witness to the Argentinian’s magical performances week in and week out.
The former Barcelona captain joined his current club, Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 on a free transfer. Considered the last big-money move in Messi’s career, the whole soccer world has been eager to catch the little genius in action in the US. The club’s fortunes have been reversed drastically ever since the transfer with the Supporters’ Shield very much on the cards at the end of the campaign.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are sitting at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference 🔝🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/w0WRD38kNo
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) May 5, 2024
Inter Miami recorded a comprehensive 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls on matchday 12 of MLS 2024. The win means that Miami currently enjoys a three-point cushion at the summit of the MLS table. Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi played a huge role in ensuring the three points while also setting two new league records in the process.
Lionel Messi rewrites history against the New York Red Bulls
It was a trip down memory lane for soccer fans around the planet as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez starred in the 6-2 victory against the New York Red Bulls. Following a rather quiet first half, Inter Miami completely rolled over the opposition after the interval thanks to a Luis Suarez hattrick. However, all the headlines after the game were filled with Messi’s fantastic performance.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner broke two league records at the Chase Stadium in Florida. He not only became the first player ever to provide five assists in an MLS game but also recorded the most goal contributions ever in a single game with six. Three of his five assists against the New York Red Bulls helped his long-time teammate, Luis Suarez complete a hat trick.
Messi’s performance in Inter Miami’s 6-2 win over the NY Red Bulls was HISTORIC 🐐
He broke two MLS records with his 5 assist, 1 goal masterclass on Saturday 👏 pic.twitter.com/Ikr9R49SoF
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 5, 2024
This performance continues the trend of Messi’s extraordinary displays in the USA. In his previous appearance against the New England Revolution, the 36-year-old became the first player to make multiple goal contributions in five straight matches in Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi has become a major reason for the huge crowds and the increased viewership in the MLS recently.
A look at Lionel Messi’s season with Inter Miami so far
Inter Miami began the 2024 MLS season on February 22, 2024, against Real Salt Lake with a comfortable 2-0 victory. Messi managed to start the season with an assist to his name. Ever since then, the whole league has been on the receiving end of the former Barcelona man’s genius. Inter Miami are currently on their way to enjoy the most successful season in the club’s history.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are ALREADY in the top 5 scorers of all time for Inter Miami 😅📊
Messi needs just SEVEN more goals to break Gonzalo Higuaín’s record 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jXIPWLgD7o
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) May 5, 2024
Messi has scored 10 goals so far in the season to go along with nine assists. His statistics are even more impressive considering that he has appeared in eight matches so far, starting only seven. He has secured a goal contribution in every appearance so far this campaign. The six-time Golden Boot winner sits at the top of both the highest goalscorers and the assist providers rankings in the MLS.