Messi sets another all-time MLS record

In the final MLS match on October 20th, Messi came on as a substitute for Julian Gressel in the 57th minute, but played a major role in Inter Miami's spectacular comeback victory against New England Revolution with a score of 6-2. The 37-year-old Argentinian star contributed one assist and scored a hat-trick in just 11 minutes (78th, 81st, and 89th minutes). In this match, Messi's close friend, Suarez, also scored a brace.

Messi wins the MLS Player of the Week award for the sixth time this season.

Messi's outstanding performance earned him the MLS Player of the Week award once again and a place in the Team of the Week. Sofascore gave him a 9.7 rating, after he had already received a perfect 10 for Argentina's 6-0 victory over Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on October 16th (where he also scored a hat-trick).

In total during the 2024 MLS season (round of play), Messi was voted Player of the Round six times, setting a new record in the league's history. He equaled this record previously held by Carlos Vela (2019) and Jason Kreis (1999), but with significantly fewer appearances. Messi was absent from Inter Miami for nearly three months due to his participation in the Copa America and injury.

He has only played 19 MLS games this season, including 15 starts, but has scored 20 goals and provided 10 assists.

Along with Suarez (who also scored 20 goals and provided 9 assists), this helped Inter Miami become the first team in MLS history to have two players both score 20 goals in a single season.

Messi watches his son play for the Inter Miami Academy team.

However, Messi and Suarez missed out on the MLS Golden Boot, with DC United striker Christian Benteke winning with 23 goals. But in other major awards, including Player of the Season, it's highly unlikely Messi will miss out. Similarly, Suarez is also considered a strong contender for the MLS Player of the Year award.

Besides Messi and Suarez, the other two stars of Inter Miami, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, also had an impressive season. Alba scored 4 goals and provided 14 assists, while Busquets scored 1 goal and provided 4 assists. These stars were dubbed the "super quartet" of Inter Miami by the American press, as they contributed 57% of the team's goals in the 2024 season.

Messi has returned to training in preparation for the MLS Cup play-offs.

After winning the Supporters' Shield and securing a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup, Messi and his teammates have only one day off before returning to training to prepare for their first-round playoff match against CF Montreal or Atlanta United on October 26th.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-lai-lap-ky-luc-moi-thoi-dai-cua-mls-185241022094823028.htm