Messi sets a series of records
The brace scored in Inter Miami's 2-1 win over New England Revolution on July 10 helped Messi become the first player in history to score a brace in four consecutive MLS matches (USA). This match also helped the Argentine star reach a memorable milestone of 65 matches since coming to the US to play, officially surpassing Pele's record of 64 matches when he played for the New York Cosmos (1975-1977).
Messi still sets historic records at age 38 - Photo: Reuters
Interestingly, the New York Cosmos, a club that Pele and the legendary Franz Beckenbauer once played for, are also preparing to reappear on the American football map, with plans to compete from 2026 in the third division USL League One. They also choose to play their home ground in New Jersey as before.
During his time playing in the US, Pele scored 37 goals and had 18 assists. This record has now been officially surpassed by Messi. The 38-year-old Argentine has now scored 54 goals and had 24 assists, becoming the player with the most goals in the history of Inter Miami.
"A Messi who always makes history... and once again he breaks records," Marca said. But that's not all, other statistics show that this famous player is also breaking all barriers in his performance.
In particular, he achieved the record of scoring 870 goals in the fastest career, surpassing Ronaldo's record. Accordingly, Messi needed 1,111 matches to reach this milestone, while Ronaldo needed 1,202 matches. Messi achieved this record at the age of 38 years and 15 days, while Ronaldo achieved it at the age of 38 years and 321 days.
The Argentine legend also scored his 100th goal from outside the box and in an open play, the most in world football history. This record does not include direct free kicks, where Messi also holds the record of 68 goals, ranking 3rd in the list of players who scored the most direct free kicks of all time, after Pele (70 goals) and Juninho (Brazil) scored 77 goals.
In his last five MLS games, Messi has scored at least one goal in each, bringing his total to 14 goals, just two behind the current top scorer Sam Surridge (Nashville SC scored 16 goals). He also has seven assists in 15 games in the 2025 MLS season so far.
Will Messi be given a rest?
Messi has been playing consistently since late April, when Inter Miami faced Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals. Since then, he has played 16 consecutive matches for club and country, including in MLS, 2026 World Cup qualifiers with Argentina and four matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™.
Messi is in great shape, but he still needs to rest due to playing so often and so continuously.
Photo: Reuters
Inter Miami will play 4 matches in the remaining part of July with a very high frequency of 3 matches per day, including 2 matches against FC Cincinnati (July 17 and 27), Nashville SC (July 13) and New York Red Bulls (July 20). Immediately after that is the Leagues Cup (playing from July 31).
According to coach Mascherano: "Messi has a plan to rest. However, it will depend on the appropriate situation and Messi himself requests it. Messi always wants to play when he is healthy. He wants to help the team overcome difficult times and achieve the results as set. However, we are fully aware that, at some point, we will need to give Messi a rest. It is just a matter of finding the right time to do it."
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-da-vuot-ky-luc-cua-vua-bong-da-pele-tai-my-185250711090723712.htm
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