Another monumental achievement is within Lionel Messi’s sights. With only 27 goals needed to surpass his fellow countryman Gonzalo Higuain’s record of 29 goals in three seasons in 70 appearances, Messi is tantalizingly close to becoming Inter Miami’s all-time top scorer. Given Messi’s scoring prowess and ability to create magic on the field, achieving this milestone seems well within his grasp.
Although Inter Miami has only been a part of the MLS for the past three years, there have been limited opportunities to accumulate a significant number of goals. In just two appearances, Lionel Messi, the new signing, has already scored three times, opening his Inter Miami account with an impressive goal every 34 minutes on average.
Higuaín is Inter Miami’s all-time top scorer with 29 goals. Will Lionel Messi break that record?
He already has 3 goals in less than 90 minutes! pic.twitter.com/3fN1YBZVxr
— VAR Tático (@vartatico) July 26, 2023
The arrival of the Argentine sensation Lionel Messi has sparked renewed interest in the MLS, drawing the attention of football enthusiasts and casual fans alike. If Messi surpasses Higuain’s record, Inter Miami will etch his name in their history books forever, symbolizing a momentous milestone in the club’s relatively young existence.
Lionel Messi can potentially break several other significant records
Lionel Messi is also aiming to break the MLS single-season scoring record, which Carlos Vela currently holds with 34 goals scored for LAFC in 2019. The expectation that Messi will break this record as he laces up his boots for Inter Miami is palpable.
He will undoubtedly be a formidable force in the race for this honor thanks to his attacking skills. Messi is yet to feature in 12 remaining league matches for the Hornets, with six of those at DRV PNK Stadium.
Messi could set his sights on breaking Carlos Valderrama’s record of 26 assists in a season, which the Colombian achieved in 2000 while playing for Tampa Bay Mutiny.
Lionel Messi NOW NEEDS 27 more goals to become Inter Miami’s all-time record goalscorer 🧏🏽♂️
A record he’l definitely break 😂💀 pic.twitter.com/iuoVEjBwmt
— Banks (@KobiiBanks) July 25, 2023
Lionel Messi’s renowned worldwide mastery of free kicks was already evident in his first match for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul, and this skill could potentially propel him to another milestone in the MLS. Sebastian Giovinco currently holds the record for the most free-kicks scored with 13 since joining the league in 2015.
🇦🇷Lionel Messi, LeaguesCup 2023
111′ Minutes
🥇3 Goals (RECORD)
🥈1 Assist
🥇2.39 Gp90
4 Chances Createds (4th)🏅Most Goals in League Cup season in History pic.twitter.com/Y41OtXHzpe
— La Pulga𓃵 ★🌟★ #Lows Sanity #LM8 #ARG🇦🇷 (@LM8_Barcelona) July 26, 2023
Messi’s remarkable tally of 57 career hat tricks suggests that there is another record within his reach, namely the total number of hat tricks in the MLS. Currently, his new teammate Josef Martinez holds the MLS record. However, it’s worth noting that all six of Martinez’s hat tricks were achieved during his time with Atlanta United.
Messi’s knack for scoring goals increases his chances of breaking Martinez’s record, provided he stays with Inter Miami for the foreseeable future. Seasoned goal scorers Bradley Wright-Phillips, Robbie Keane, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic closely follow Martinez’s record.