What records could Lionel Messi break at Inter Miami? Highlighting main achievements that await Argentine superstar after MLS switch
Having broken numerous records during his stay in Europe, Lionel Messi will now look to break some with Inter Miami in the USA.
The Argentine icon holds the record for the most Ballons d'Or awards (7). He has also scored the most goals in Europe's top five leagues (496) and the most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012).
He's now set to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) when his contract expires at the end of the month and join Inter Miami. On that note, let's take a look at the individual and team records Lionel Messi could break with the American side (via GOAL):
Individual
Lionel Messi has the opportunity to become the top scorer in men's football. He has scored 807 goals for club and country and is 30 behind rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. The soon-to-be 36-year-old has age on his side, being two years younger than Ronaldo.
The Argentine could overtake former teammate Dani Alves in terms of most trophies won, with the two now tied at 43.
Messi could also become Major League Soccer's top scorer and top foreign scorer, but that could take some time. Former San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo striker Chris Wondolowski is the current top scorer with 171 goals.
Meanwhile, Chicago Fire striker Kei Kamara is the top foreign scorer in the league with 143 goals.
Team
Lionel Messi could help Inter Miami, who were founded in 2019, their first MLS title. The highest they have ever reached is the quarterfinals in 2022. He could also help them win the United States Cup and the Eastern Conference.
The Argentine icon could help them qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League, whose winner qualifies for the FIFA Club World Cup. He could also become the club's top scorer, a record held by his compatriot Gonzalo Higuain (29 goals).
Lionel Messi to earn big from Saudi Arabia despite rejecting Al-Hilal in favor of Inter Miami
Lionel Messi has three major options after his decision to leave PSG this summer was announced.
Barcelona made efforts to re-sign the club legend and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal had also made an offer worth over €400 million per season. However, he rejected both options and joined Inter Miami instead.
The Argentine, though, has signed a contract with Saudi Arabia, becoming the country's tourist ambassador. As per New York Times, he will earn around €22.5 million over the next three years for the same.
The role encompasses some commercial appearances, all-paid visits to the country and some social media posts. The former Barcelona forward also needs to make sure he doesn't say or do anything to tarnish Saudi Arabia's image.