Lionel Messi is rewriting the record books yet again! The Inter Miami superstar has surged ahead in the Golden Boot race and notched yet another incredible achievement. But here's where it gets controversial... is it just Messi's individual brilliance, or is Inter Miami's system perfectly tailored to showcase his talents? Let's dive into the details.
In a spectacular display of skill and teamwork, Inter Miami CF demolished Atlanta United with a resounding 4-0 victory on Saturday. The driving force behind this triumph? None other than Lionel Messi, who bagged two goals, catapulting him to the top of the Golden Boot standings, presented by Audi.
And this is the part most people miss... Messi's two-goal performance wasn't just about securing the lead; it was also his ninth multi-goal game of the season. This shatters the previous MLS single-season record, solidifying his status as a true legend. Before this, the record was shared by Stern John (Columbus, 1998), Mamadou Diallo (Tampa Bay, 2000), and the ever-controversial Zlatan Ibrahimovic (LA Galaxy, 2019), all tied with eight multi-goal games. To put it simply, Messi isn't just playing; he's redefining what's possible.
Messi's brace against Atlanta brings his season total to an astounding 26 goals, placing him two ahead of LAFC's dynamic forward, Denis Bouanga, in the Golden Boot contest. But the accolades don't stop there. Messi is also a strong contender to win the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award for the second consecutive year. And this is where opinions are likely to diverge. Some might argue that the MVP award should recognize consistent performance throughout the entire season, while others believe Messi's impact, even in a shorter period, is undeniable. What do you think?
Furthermore, Messi's remarkable season has seen him contribute to a staggering 44 goals – that's goals he's scored or assisted on! He's now within striking distance of Carlos Vela's single-season record of 49 goal contributions, set with LAFC in 2019. Can he break it before the season ends? Only time will tell.
Inter Miami, having already secured home-field advantage for the first round of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, will conclude their regular season campaign with a trip to Nashville SC next Saturday. The match is scheduled for 6 pm ET and will be available on MLS Season Pass. This final game offers a chance for Messi to further cement his legacy and for Inter Miami to fine-tune their strategy heading into the playoffs.
So, is Messi on track to become the greatest MLS player of all time in such a short period? Or is it premature to make such declarations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
