Lionel Messi: unrivaled dominance in the MLS
At 38, Lionel Messi continues to bend the MLS to his will and is carrying Inter Miami toward an end of the season that could crown one of the last great chapters of his career.
SUMMARY
Propelled by an exceptional Lionel Messi, Inter Miami has never looked so close to an MLS crown. At 38, the Argentine continues to defy all logic and steer his club toward a final that now lies within reach. A comprehensive victory on Cincinnati’s pitch (4-0), the side coached by Javier Mascherano is now just one match away from the big showdown.
But if Miami is moving forward with such confidence, it’s mainly because Messi dominates the American league. Goals, assists, influence… nothing escapes him. In 2025, he tops both the scoring and assist charts, for an astonishing total of 71 goal contributions. A figure that puts him ahead of the current European benchmarks: Kylian Mbappé (68), Harry Kane (62) and Erling Haaland (58). In what remains an exceptional season, Messi has already registered 38 goals across all competitions, club and country combined.
A sporting… and economic phenomenon
The influence of the seven-time Ballon d’Or, however, extends beyond the pitch. The excitement he generates fuels an unprecedented economic impact for Inter Miami. According to Marca, the Florida franchise sold 2.1 million jerseys in 2025, a figure that far exceeds Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr (1.2 million). A dynamic that testifies to the intact aura of the 2022 world champion.
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