Lionel Messi, at 38, is simply unreal, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup just proved why he is the best in the world when he showcased his class on the football field as Inter Miami beat the Colorado Rapids 3-2 on Saturday to extend their unbeaten streak to seven games and win their first game under interim coach Guillermo Hoyos.
Messi first opened the scoring when he converted a penalty kick in the 13th minute, and scored the go-ahead goal in the 79th minute. After a Colorado turnover near midfield, Messi cut back near the right corner of the penalty box and flicked a rising shot that split a pair of defenders and slipped inside the back post.
Messi has been on top form since he agreed to a new contract with Inter Miami in the fall of 2025. The diminutive Argentine has seven goals this season, tied with Sam Surridge and Petar Musa for most in MLS. Miami, on the other hand, hasn’t lost since a season-opening 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC.
Lionel Messi and records go hand in hand, and 2026 could be Messi’s definitive MLS year. Messi has already won the MVP award in two consecutive seasons. If he does go on to lift it again in 2026, he’ll become the only three-time MVP and the first ever to do it in three straight years.
Messi could also become the highest-scoring Argentine in league history. Right now, the record belongs to Diego Valeri with 93 goals. Messi had begun 2026 with 57, meaning he needs 36 more to match it, and he is slowly but surely reaching the mark. If he maintains his pace and avoids injuries, he might not only reach it but also surpass it before the playoffs.
With 50 goals and 28 assists in league play, meaning 78 direct contributions, Messi requires just 22 more to become the first player in Miami's history to hit 100 combined goals and assists in regular-season MLS action.
No player in MLS history has ever won the Golden Boot award in back-to-back seasons, but Messi could achieve the landmark this year. Messi netted 29 goals last season, and if he repeats, he’ll break the record.
In terms of most hat-tricks in MLS history, the current record belongs to Josef Martínez with seven hat-tricks. Messi has two and needs five more to tie.
Recently, he spoke to ESPN about his decision to stay in MLS and said, "I've said it, and I'll repeat it: this part of the season hits us differently compared to Europe. We're going to start a tough preseason in January and then we'll have many gacmes in a row with the league and the [Concacaf Champions Cup].
"I'm going to prepare myself for that, but like I said, I'll take it day by day, being honest and realistic and trying to feel good
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