Lionel Messi's Inter Miami break incredible MLS record with historic season
Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami break the MLS record for the most points in a league season this year. The Florida-based club finished their league campaign with 74 points, creating history in the process.
The record previously belonged to New England Revolution, who had secured 73 points in the 2021 season. Ironically, the Herons dispatched the Boston-based club 6-2 on Saturday night (October 19) to break their record.
Inter Miami have won 22 of their 34 games in the league this season, losing just four. They scored 79 goals in the process, the third most in a single season in MLS history.
Central to their rise, however, has been an indomitable Lionel Messi rolling back the years. The Argentinian has registered 22 goals and 12 assists from 22 games across competitions this season for the club.
On Saturday, the 37-year-old came off the bench to turn the tide for the Herons with the game tied at 2-2 at the break. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner ran the show for the Florida-based club, scoring a hattrick to ensure they go into the MLS Playoffs high on confidence.
Inter Miami have earned the No. 1 overall seed in the MLS Cup playoffs and will have home-field advantage in the coming games. They will also have the hosting rights for the MLS Cup on December 7, provided they reach that stage.
How has Lionel Messi performed for club and country in 2024?
Lionel Messi didn't make it to the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. However, the Argentinian has been in spectacular form for club and country this year.
The diminutive magician has registered 28 goals and 16 assists from 31 games for club and country in 2024. He also won his second Copa America trophy with La Albiceleste this summer.
Messi now has 46 titles to his name, and is the football player with the most silverware in the history of the game. He will also feature in the FIFA Club World Cup next year, with FIFA announcing on Saturday that the Herons had earned a place in the tournament.
La Pulga created MLS history this season by registering five assists - the most in one game in the league's history - in Inter Miami's 6-2 win over New York Red Bulls. If he continues this way, there's a good chance that Lionel Messi could take the field when Argentina defend their FIFA World Cup in America in 2026.