Since his arrival at Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Lionel Messi’s impact has been undeniable. Now, in the midst of a prolific 2025 campaign, he is on pace for what could be his most historic season in Major League Soccer.
After a period of inconsistency early in the season, which included an exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has returned to peak form. In his time with the club, Messi has already surpassed Gonzalo Higuaín as Inter Miami’s all-time leader in goal contributions. His recent achievements include becoming the first player in MLS history to score two or more goals in four consecutive matches, adding to his existing league records for the most assists (five) and most goal contributions (six) in a single game.
With 14 goals and seven assists in just 15 appearances this season, Messi is a strong contender to defend his MLS MVP title and is now challenging one of the league’s most prestigious records: the most goals in a single season.
The current record is held by former LAFC forward Carlos Vela, who scored a remarkable 34 goals during his 2019 MVP season. Only two other players have reached the 30-goal milestone: Josef Martínez with 31 for Atlanta United in 2018, and Zlatan Ibrahimović with 30 for the LA Galaxy in 2019.
To break Vela’s record, Messi must score 21 goals in Inter Miami’s 16 remaining regular-season games. While a slow start and missed matches have made the task more difficult, the required scoring rate of over a goal per game is not beyond his capabilities.
The more immediate challenge, however, is the race for the Golden Boot. Messi currently trails Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge by just two goals. An injury late in the 2024 season likely cost Messi a chance at the award, which he has yet to win. This year, his consistent, multi-goal performances have put him in a much stronger position.
While surpassing Vela’s all-time scoring record remains a formidable challenge, securing both the Golden Boot and a second consecutive MLS MVP award—a feat Vela himself accomplished in 2019—is an entirely achievable and historic target for the Argentine superstar.
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