Messi’s Remarkable Month

This past month has been quite impressive for Lionel Messi. No doubt about it.

The Inter Miami player played a key role in his team’s scoring, contributing to 10 goals across just three matches, including five goals of his own. Recently, he also clinched his fifth MLS Player of the Month award.

Among those goals was a hat trick against Nashville SC, a solid team in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. That brought his total to 29 goals for the season, earning him the MLS Golden Boot. He now stands as one of only three players this century to reach at least 29 goals in a regular season, averaging about 1.03 goals per game.

On Thursday, he signed a three-year contract extension with Miami, ensuring he will remain with the team until at least 2028.

An interesting question comes up: Is Messi still the best player globally, or could it be that Major League Soccer has improved to match his skills?

This is a valid inquiry. In Europe, where star players are household names, many top MLS players remain largely unknown, admired by local fans but overlooked internationally.

That said, Major League Soccer is indeed an exciting league. It’s hard to deny that the 2025 season promises to be one of the best. However, when you consider that Messi, at 38, was making his first appearance in world football back when many of his current teammates and opponents weren’t even born (his debut for Barcelona was on November 16, 2003), it raises questions about how far the league has progressed and the fact that one of the oldest players can still be a pivotal leader.

Statistical Highlights

To put this in perspective, let me offer some context. Messi is certainly a standout in Miami at his age, but he’s also supported by talented teammates. The ownership group, led by David Beckham, has assembled a strong roster, featuring former Barcelona stars like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, all of whom bring significant experience.

I’m not suggesting Messi has an easy ride. Not at all. The competition in MLS is tough, which is why they missed out on the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular season record. They enter the next playoff series against Nashville as the No. 3 seed (8 p.m., Apple TV, FS1).

Moreover, some surprising statistics further illustrate his prowess.

By the end of the regular season, Messi had a total of 48 goal contributions, achieved in only 28 games. This ranks as the second-highest total in MLS history—and he’s only been in the league for three seasons. Additionally, he has become the second player in MLS history to lead the league in both goals and assists (19).

He’s also the third player ever to win the Player of the Month award three times in a single season, and the only one to win it five times.

So, take a moment to reflect: Is Messi still at the pinnacle of football in his 40s? Or is MLS beginning to bridge the gap to players like him?