Inter Miami’s new season officially begins at the end of February when they debut in the American Professional League (MLS). Already in the best shape, Messi immediately made a significant contribution to the home team. Through 3 matches, the 2022 World Cup champion has pocketed 3 goals and 1 assist.
Inter Miami is also undefeated in this period, winning a total of 7 points and is currently at the top of the Eastern rankings. This is a great step forward for the team co-owned by David Beckham. Remember, Inter Miami only ranked penultimate last season.
The effect brought by Messi is said to be the difference. At the age of 36, Messi is still one of the most watchable players in the world today. Although there are no more major titles to pursue, Messi can aim to break the following 8 incredible records this year.
Photo: AI
Become the greatest Copa America goalscorer
Up to now, Messi has scored a total of 14 goals at Copa America. The record holders for this parameter are Norberto Mendez and Zizinho with the same 17 goals. Thus, if he only pocketed at least 3 more goals, Messi would equal his achievements with his predecessors.
The opportunity will come this summer when Messi’s Argentina aims to defend the championship. At the most recent international tournament with the national team, the World Cup, Messi scored 7 goals and was voted the best player of the tournament.
The greatest scorer in Inter Miami history
Inter Miami was just founded in 2018 and therefore, the top scorer in the club’s history has unimpressive stats. That is Gonzalo Higuain with 29 goals.
Even though Messi only joined the team in July 2023, he still managed to concede 14 goals. With Inter Miami experiencing a busy schedule with a series of tournaments, Messi has a chance to surpass his former teammate Higuain this year.
Messi is shining in the Inter Miami shirt this season. Photo: Getty
The player with the most assists in Inter Miami history
Robert Taylor holds Inter Miami’s assist record with a total of 14 times. After 17 appearances for Inter Miami, Messi also managed to bag 6 assists. Currently, Messi is not too far behind Taylor.
Since 2010, Messi has never had a season with fewer than 16 assists. Therefore, if he plays properly and is not affected by injuries, Messi can match Taylor’s record. However, Taylor can also increase his current achievements because this player is still playing for Inter Miami.
Player with most assists in an MLS season
In 2000, Colombian football legend Carlos Valderrama had 26 assists in one season in MLS. Messi currently holds the record for assists in a season in La Liga but only stops at 21 times.
Therefore, surpassing Valderrama’s record is not easy. However, Messi is the type of player who can conquer the craziest things. Therefore, let’s wait and see how many clearing passes Messi will have this season.
The player who directly contributed to the most goals in the national team
This is the parameter Messi will have to compete with Ronaldo. Currently, the Portuguese superstar is leading with 163 goals + assists. Messi follows closely behind with 159 goals + assists.
To be able to surpass Ronaldo in this parameter, Messi needs to have a great 2024 with the Argentina team. In the immediate future, Messi has a series of matches to improve his performance, from World Cup qualifiers to Copa America.
Record number of matches at Copa America
In fact, Messi held this record when he and Sergio Livingstone made 34 appearances in the Copa America. However, the 36-year-old superstar has a great chance to monopolize this record.
In the absence of injury, Messi will easily surpass Chile’s legendary goalkeeper.
Photo: Fetty
The player who contributed to the most goals of Inter Miami
Higuain is the holder of this record when directly contributing to 40 goals for Inter Miami (29 goals, 11 assists). Messi after 17 matches has contributed to 20 goals for Inter Miami. With current performance, Messi can surpass Higuain this year.
Milestone of 1,200 goals
Messi holds the record for being the player who directly contributed to the most goals in the 21st century. Up to this point, Messi’s number is 1188 (824 goals, 362 assists). With just 12 more goals, Messi will reach the memorable milestone of 1,200 goals.
The person ranked behind Messi in this parameter is none other than Ronaldo. However, the distance between the two is still quite far. Ronaldo has contributed to 1,126 goals in his career (877 goals, 249 assists).
