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A Legacy in the Making
Two years have passed since Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami. That night, he scored a stunning last-minute match-winning free-kick, announcing his arrival in North America in classic Messi style. The World Cup was still fresh in the memory, and a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or was set to follow. He was still arguably the finest footballer on the planet, and he wasn’t going to disappoint his new audience.
Now, approaching the final few months of the two-and-a-half-year deal he signed after leaving Europe in 2023, Messi is set to leave a lasting legacy. He has lived up to the hype as the greatest player to play football in the United States since Pele half a century ago. His impact has been immediate and profound.
Immediate Impact and Success
Messi immediately led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup, the fledgling club’s first-ever piece of major silverware. Last season, the Supporters’ Shield followed. In just 69 appearances, he contributed 58 goals and 28 assists for the MLS outfit. Now 38, he’s somehow not slowing down. Over 700 days since his arrival, it’s the same as it ever was—Mexican opposition, Leagues Cup, and a moment of inspiration to make it 2-1 in the dying moments.
This time around, it was an assist rather than a goal. He had already set up Inter Miami’s opener with an unselfish cut-back and did the same in the final seconds. In his usual spot, ready to pounce on the edge of the Atlas’ penalty area, Jordi Alba’s cushioned pass found him. A deft one-two with Luis Suarez carved open the backline. Clean through and with only the keeper to beat… Messi instead had the presence of mind to play it into the path of Marcelo Weigandt, arriving to tap home.
A Controversial Moment
Inter Miami’s wild celebrations were initially dampened by the linesman’s flag, but a quick VAR check deemed that Messi played it backwards to find Weigandt, who was just about behind him. In a rare display of emotion, Messi immediately sought out Atlas attacker Matias Coccaro to give him both barrels with a bit of trash talk.
“I’m actually quite surprised that he was so happy to win this game,” Atlas manager Gonzalo Pineda responded to a rare outburst of emotion from Messi. “I mean, he’s won so much, and he’s usually quite sober.” Things cooled immediately after the final whistle as Messi and Coccaro appeared to have patched things up. But the incident shows Messi’s still got the hunger.
A Stellar Month
That caps off Messi’s best month yet out in the States. Six matches. Eight goals. Four assists. The only possible winner of MLS’s July Player of the Month award. Once again, Messi might actually be getting better. Pray for MLS defenses.
A Career Full of Achievements
Throughout his career, Messi has accumulated an impressive list of trophies. From domestic league titles to international competitions, his achievements are unparalleled. The 10 players with the most assists in a single season since 2000 include names like Messi, Ozil, and Mata. Can you name every trophy that Lionel Messi has won in his career? Test your knowledge with a quiz.
