Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Lionel Messi Made MLS History Twice On Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 10:27 PM ET

Inter Miami hosted Nashville at Chase Stadium this Friday on the occasion of the first of three possible games in the 2025 MLS playoffs.

Once again, Lionel Messi had an outstanding performance, scoring the first goal that put The Herons ahead in the 19th minute, assisted by Luis Suarez.

In the first 20 minutes of the second half, Tadeo Allende made it 2-0 for the home team, with an assist from right-back Ian Fray. In the 90th minute, Messi made it 3-0, scoring his brace.

The match ended with a victory for Inter Miami, so if Javier Mascherano's team wins the next game, they will qualify for the conference semifinals. If they lose, there will be a third game on November 8th.

In this match, Messi, 38, made history again.

Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi heads the ball to score a goal during the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff football match between Inter Miami and Nashville SC.Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images

Lionel Messi Sets New MLS Scoring Record in Historic Year

With his two goals against Nashville this Friday, Messi reached 39 goals in a calendar year across all competitions as an MLS player.

He surpassed Dennis Bouanga (38 goals with LAFC, 2023) and Carlos Vela (38 goals with LAFC, 2019). He is the first Major League Soccer player in history to reach that number in a twelve-month period.

With his outstanding performances, the Argentine star also has the opportunity to win the season's MVP award, and if he achieves it, he would become the only player in MLS history to win said recognition consecutively.

Leo Messi has already registered 30 goals in the current MLS season, combining the regular season and playoffs. He is above Denis Bouanga (24) from LAFC and Sam Surridge (24) from Nashville.

The Argentine just extended his contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, so he is likely to continue breaking records in the United States for a good while.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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