Lionel Messi Breaks Carlos Vela’s Record for Most MLS Goal Contributions

With his assist to Allende and a goal, Messi now sits at 73 goal contributions in 47 matches — and he could extend that record in the second half. The assist itself has already been one of the highlights of this MLS round.

No Suarez, No Problem: Messi Has It Covered

With Luis Suárez out of the D.C. United game — as his suspension from the Leagues Cup final extended into MLS — Messi has had to carry the team in almost every play that led to a goal for Inter Miami since returning from international duty with Argentina.

Lionel Messi and several teammates left right after the Leagues Cup final to join their national teams. Coming back to MLS action, Miami needed something close to a miracle to keep winning and try to push Columbus Crew and New York City behind them in the table.

In their first game back, they fell 3-0 to Charlotte FC. Later, they faced the Sounders again, and this time the result was very different from the Leagues Cup final: a 3-1 win, with goals from Messi, Jordi Alba, and Ian Fray.

Playing against D.C. United this round, Messi provided an assist and scored two goals, further extending his goal contributions record.