Messi officially joins the exclusive club in MLS

Lionel Messi keeps dazzling in Inter Miami colors with three assists, helping his team secure a decisive win against New England Revolution.

Lionel Messi has entered the “special club” of MLS alongside Carlos Vela after recording a hat-trick of assists in Inter Miami’s 4-1 triumph over New England Revolution. The Argentine superstar continued to display outstanding form, acting as the maestro in the team’s dynamic attacking play at DRV PNK Stadium.

Throughout the entire 2025 season, Messi has surpassed 40 direct goal involvements (including goals and assists), a feat only previously achieved by Carlos Vela in North American professional soccer history.

Messi is unlikely to further break Carlos Vela’s record. The former LAFC striker had an extraordinary 2019 season, being involved in 49 goals for his club. Meanwhile, Inter Miami only has two remaining matches in the 2025 MLS regular season.

Messi has helped the team nicknamed “The Herons” secure a playoff spot once again, after a disappointing previous season despite winning the Supporters’ Shield with an impressive record. That title slipped away from Inter Miami this year, as Philadelphia Union was confirmed as the top-performing MLS team.

Nevertheless, Messi is aiming to become the first player in MLS history to win the MVP award two seasons in a row. Against New England Revolution, the 38-year-old superstar once again demonstrated supreme class, leaving Pablo Moreira’s defense powerless to stop him. Messi provided three assists in the match, bringing his total assists this season to 17, alongside 24 MLS goals and 32 goals across all competitions.

Coach Javier Mascherano continued to praise him after the match: “He helped us open the scoring and then ensured the win. Not only with the assist for Jordi Alba but also with the pass right after the opponent reduced the score to 1-2 — that’s a play only Messi could create. He still shows class, ambition, and an unrelenting spirit to conquer.”

In this match, Messi also helped his compatriot Tadeo Allende score twice, and the Argentine winger commented: “This is very familiar to him. If Messi doesn’t beat you with a goal, he will punish you with assists.”

Inter Miami is not overly concerned about losing the Supporters’ Shield, as their main goal remains the MLS Cup. Mascherano added: “Philadelphia fully deserves it, but they have the advantage of playing about 10 fewer games than us. Still, Inter Miami’s objective hasn’t changed: we want to finish the season at the top and enter the playoffs in the best form.”

Next weekend, Inter Miami will host Atlanta United at home, but Messi will likely be absent due to national team duties with Argentina for a friendly against Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) on October 10th. Mascherano admitted: “We will see who is ready to play, as many players have to return for national team service.”

Inter Miami will close the regular season with an away game against Nashville, where Messi will compete for the Golden Boot title with Sam Surridge. Both teams have their eyes set on the playoffs, where Inter Miami is eager to make history by winning their first MLS Cup, while Sergio Busquets aims to end his career on a high note, having announced his retirement after this season.

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