A new year means a new opportunity for the superstar that is Lionel Messi to break further career records, something he has become very familiar with.
Messi ended 2024 by becoming the MLS MVP but explained how Inter Miami would be back stronger this year following their surprise playoff exit.
Inter Miami’s loss to Atlanta United has been labelled ‘one of the biggest failures’ in North American sports history, certainly not something that the club want to be associated with.
Messi just missed out on creating MLS history early in 2025 but he will certainly have more opportunities to etch his name alongside some more records this year.
Messi will have eyes on goal-scoring records
While Messi finished the last MLS regular season with an impressive 20 goals to his name he’s some way off the record that has been set by Los Angeles FC star Carlos Vela.
The Mexican netted no fewer than 34 goals in the 2019 season helping his side secure the Supporters Shield before losing in the Conference Finals to the Seattle Sounders.
Messi’s recent MLS MVP win helped him extend his record over fierce rival Cristiano Ronaldo, he will certainly be looking to bag some more goals this season to earn himself some more accolades.
While Vela’s record could be achievable Clint Mathis’s goal-scoring efforts might be slightly harder to match.
Mathis scored five goals in one game in 2000 for the MetroStars, now known as the New York Red Bulls, and although Messi has five assists in a single game this might take some doing.
His chances of scoring more goals may well be hit harder with Inter Miami looking to bring in striker Tadeo Allende.
Other records for Messi to target
Inter Miami begin their MLS season against New York City FC and Messi will be looking to get off to a fast start in chasing down Carlos Valderrama’s MLS assists record.
The Colombian legend, known for his extravagant hair, recorded no fewer than 26 assists in one MLS season, Messi finished last year with 10, so he has some way to go.
One thing you can never do is underestimate the Argentine and Christian Pulisic recently named Messi as ‘the best to ever do it’.
Rarely, Messi will not be in the Inter Miami side, especially if he’s fit. So, one record he could look to chase down is the Herons appearance record which is currently held by goalkeeper Drake Callender.
Callender is Inter Miami’s starting goalkeeper so unless he moves on, which has been rumoured, it could be hard for Messi to overtake him.
That being said Javier Mascherano has eyed Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman as a potential signing, Messi could be in luck.
While personal accolades are important Messi will no doubt be more focused on ensuring the club get their hands on the MLS Cup this season.