Messi Keeps Scoring, Eyes Vela’s MLS Record

Lionel Messi is in peak form in Major League Soccer. With his fourth consecutive brace, the Inter Miami star is closing in on Carlos Vela’s record of 34 goals in a single season, set in 2019. His team, once mired in a slump, is now riding his brilliance back into contention.

Back on May 19, Inter Miami suffered a crushing 3-0 loss to rivals Orlando City. Critics questioned coach Javier Mascherano and the team’s direction. But in just over a month, and after a solid team performance during the Club World Cup, Messi has reemerged as the frontrunner for the league MVP.

The Argentine World Cup winner has tallied nine goals and four assists in his last five matches, bringing his season totals to 14 goals and seven assists. He trails Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge on the scoring chart, though Miami has played three fewer games.

Messi has become Miami’s undisputed offensive leader. No teammate comes close to his numbers—Tadeo Allende has seven goals, while Telasco Segovia and Luis Suárez have five each. With 16 matches still to play, Messi needs to average just over one goal per game to tie Vela’s mark.

At this pace, the MLS might be witnessing another historic season from the Argentine icon.