Lionel Messi once again proved why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, delivering a breathtaking performance in Inter Miami’s 4–2 victory over Montréal. The Argentine superstar’s record-breaking display, which included two sensational goals and an assist, earned him Player of the Match honors and further cemented his legacy in the Inter Miami history books.
With the Herons in desperate need of three points, their captain stepped up in spectacular fashion. Messi’s performance wasn’t just a win for the team—it was historic. The 37-year-old became the first Inter Miami player to reach 50 regular-season goal contributions, a remarkable feat achieved since joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in July 2023. His tally now stands at 29 goals and 21 assists, with 11 of those contributions coming in the current season alone, despite missing time early on due to injury.
Messi’s impact this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is Inter Miami’s leading goalscorer under head coach Javier Mascherano and ranks third on the team with three assists. Earlier this year, he made MLS history by becoming the fastest player to record 40 goal contributions, and his current form suggests more records are within reach. With 863 career goals, 47 of which have come in Inter Miami’s iconic pink jersey, Messi continues to dazzle fans and rewrite the record books.
However, despite his individual brilliance, questions loom large over Inter Miami’s collective performance. The Herons, who were favorites to win the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, suffered a disappointing first-round exit. With just two wins in their last nine matches across all competitions, the team currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. The pressure is mounting on Messi to not only maintain his goalscoring prowess but also to elevate an underperforming Inter Miami side into genuine championship contenders.
GOLAZO DEL MEJOR DE TODOS 🐐✨ MESSI pic.twitter.com/zWYZA5y2cU
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 29, 2025
Looking ahead, opportunities for silverware remain. Under Mascherano’s leadership, Inter Miami has a chance to compete in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, a prestigious stage where Messi’s magic could shine. Yet, for the Herons to succeed, they must rediscover their form and rally around their talismanic captain. Messi’s “unbelievable” performance against Montréal has raised the bar, but it has also sparked big questions: Can he lead Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup and beyond? Only time will tell, but with Messi in their ranks, the Herons’ dreams of glory are far from out of reach.