Messi Spotlight: Every…

Lionel Messi is brimming with motivation as 2025 unfolds. His team, Inter Miami CF, clinched the Supporters’ Shield last season, establishing a new MLS single-season points record, though they faced an early exit in the playoffs during Round 1. This year marks his second full season in the league and a chance for redemption, as it also represents the final year of his contract in South Florida.

Will the footballing legend extend his contract to continue beyond the upcoming season and into the post-2026 World Cup era? It’s certainly a possibility, and Inter Miami expects him to do just that. However, as always, nothing is guaranteed.

Enjoy Messi’s brilliance while you can, as his time here might be fleeting.

While he represents Argentina in the MLS, ESPN will analyze his performances with Miami in detail, providing stats and updates every time he dons the Herons’ kit.

Messi’s 2025 stats:

• Games played: 42

• Goals: 34

• Assists: 20

Oct. 11: Inter Miami 4-0 Atlanta United

Messi’s decision to briefly step away from international duties paid dividends on Saturday, as the 38-year-old netted two goals and assisted in Miami’s 4-0 triumph over Atlanta.

He opened the scoring with a beautiful curling shot into the top left corner, marking his 25th MLS goal of the season.

The club captain then played a key role in Jordi Alba’s second goal, sending a pass that allowed the defender to loop a shot over Atlanta’s goalkeeper, Jayden Hibbert.

Luis Suárez struck Miami’s third goal in the 61st minute with a brilliant volley from the top of the penalty area, and Messi capped the scoring with his second in the dying moments of the match.

Messi may rejoin the Argentina national team for an upcoming friendly against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, with coach Lionel Scaloni optimistic about his participation.

“We’re hopeful Messi will be available come Tuesday,” Scaloni mentioned on Friday. “We’ll monitor how things develop in the days leading up.”

Oct. 4: Inter Miami 4-1 New England Revolution

Inter Miami comfortably dispatched the Revolution, with Messi assisting on the first three goals.

With this performance, Messi achieved over 40 goal contributions in a single league season for the first time since his 46 in the 2019-20 LaLiga season. It’s important to note that MLS counts secondary assists, allowing multiple players to earn assists on the same goal.

Messi joins Carlos Vela as the only players to achieve 40+ goal contributions in a single MLS regular season.

Sept. 30: Inter Miami 3-5 Chicago Fire

Messi was unable to score or assist in this match as Miami fell to the Chicago Fire, who secured their playoff position with the win at Chase Stadium.

Sept. 27: Toronto FC 1-1 Inter Miami

Messi did not find the net or provide any assists in this match, as Miami’s chances of reclaiming the Supporters’ Shield were dealt a blow with a draw against Toronto FC.

Despite having scored five of Miami’s 10 goals in their prior three victories, he was unable to convert from six attempts at BMO Field, with four of those on target.

Sept. 24: New York City FC 0-4 Inter Miami

Messi played a crucial role in securing Miami’s pivotal victory over NYCFC, where he netted two goals and provided an assist during the 4-0 win.

The win guaranteed the Herons a playoff spot and elevated them over Pascal Jansen’s side into third place in the MLS Eastern Conference, just five points behind the Philadelphia Union with two games in hand.

Messi assisted Baltazar Rodriguez for the opener in the 43rd minute, then scored his own in the 74th minute with a delightful chip over NYCFC keeper Matthew Freese.

Luis Suárez converted a penalty for Miami’s third goal before Messi rounded off the match’s scoring in the 86th minute, weaving through the NYCFC defense and firing low into the corner.

Sept. 20: Inter Miami 3-2 D.C. United

Thanks to another stellar performance from Messi, Inter Miami kept their hopes of winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield alive with a strong showing against struggling D.C. United.

With a brace, Messi moved to the top of the MLS scoring charts, boasting 22 goals alongside 12 assists in his 22 matches this season.

Sept. 16: Inter Miami 3-1 Seattle Sounders

Messi played a pivotal role in getting Miami back on track for a playoff push with a standout performance in the 3-1 victory over the Sounders.

The former Barcelona and PSG star recorded a goal and an assist, propelling the Herons to fifth in the Eastern Conference, with three games in hand on all teams above them.

He assisted Jordi Alba for an early goal in the 12th minute and scored in the 41st minute after receiving a return pass from Alba.

“We’re always looking for each other. We’ve created many goals together and hope to continue doing so for years to come,” Alba remarked, reflecting on their chemistry.

Sept. 13: Charlotte FC 3-0 Inter Miami

Messi had an off night against Charlotte FC, missing a penalty—the first time he’d done so since 2022.

Awarded a penalty after being fouled in the box by Djibril Diani in the 32nd minute, he attempted a Panenka but was denied by goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

It capped a rough night for Messi and the Herons, as they suffered a 3-0 defeat, pushing them to seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference.

August 31: Seattle Sounders 3-0 Inter Miami

Miami’s quest for victory was thwarted in a 3-0 defeat against the Sounders in the Leagues Cup final.

Although Messi helped Miami clinch the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023, this year was marked by a disappointing loss, with the Sounders securing victory thanks to goals from Osaze De Rosario, Alex Roldan, and Paul Rothrock.

Messi had a chance to equalize in the 50th minute but missed a close-range shot, a surprising miss from a player of his caliber.

August 27: Inter Miami 3-1 Orlando City

Overcoming a “minor” muscle injury, Messi delivered a performance to remember, netting two goals in Miami’s 3-1 semifinal Leagues Cup win against Orlando City.

Initially returning from injury with a goal and an assist in a recent match versus the LA Galaxy, Messi showed no signs of lingering issues on Wednesday night.

He first converted from the penalty spot before netting the decisive goal in the 88th minute.

August 16: Inter Miami 3-1 LA Galaxy

Following a two-week absence due to a muscle injury, Messi returned to the squad and made an immediate impact, scoring a stunning goal and providing an assist during Miami’s 3-1 victory over the LA Galaxy.

After initially replacing a teammate at halftime against the Galaxy, Messi helped Miami secure three crucial points in the battle for the Supporters’ Shield.

In the 84th minute, he executed a beautiful solo run and found the net from the edge of the penalty area, showcasing his trademark finishing ability.

He then played a brilliant assist to Luis Suárez, flicking the ball back for his fellow Argentine.

August 2: Inter Miami 2-2 Necaxa (Miami win 5-4 on PKs)

Messi had a brief outing as he exited after just 11 minutes due to an injury after a challenge from Necaxa players.

Despite his early exit, Miami managed to triumph, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 from regulation.

July 30: Inter Miami 2-1 Atlas

In a show of resilience, Messi returned from suspension to play a crucial role in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Liga MX’s Atlas in the Leagues Cup.

After serving a one-game suspension, Messi assisted two goals, including a dramatic late winner, to guide his team to success.

July 19: New York Red Bulls 1-5 Inter Miami

After a rare scoreless game against Cincinnati, Messi bounced back emphatically with a standout performance against the New York Red Bulls.

The 38-year-old star scored two goals and provided two assists as Miami cruised to a 5-1 victory.

“Leo Messi, Michael Jordan, Rafa Nadal—these are names that have transcended their sports,” praised Miami head coach Javier Mascherano post-match. “We are privileged to witness this greatness.”

July 16: FC Cincinnati 3-0 Inter Miami

Miami’s winning streak came to an abrupt end as they succumbed to a 3-0 loss against Cincinnati.

The spotlight fell on Evander, who netted twice, while Messi continued his frustrating drought against Cincinnati, failing to score in any of their matches.

July 12: Inter Miami 2-1 Nashville SC

Messi showcased his free-kick prowess, scoring a beautiful shot just outside the box, marking another highlight in the match.

This marked Messi’s sixth consecutive game scoring, just shy of his seven-game streak earlier in the MLS.

He followed it up with another goal, benefiting from a lapse in judgment by the Nashville goalkeeper, ultimately leading Miami to victory over a tough opponent.

July 9: New England Revolution 1-2 Inter Miami

Messi made history once again, scoring twice to reach 20 goals for the season, becoming the first player to achieve multiple goals in four consecutive MLS matches.

This was a celebration not just for the goals but also marking the 870th of his illustrious career.

July 5: CF Montreal 1-4 Inter Miami

Following their elimination from the Club World Cup, Miami shifted focus back to the MLS with Messi front and center.

After an early goal from Montreal off a defensive mistake by Messi, he quickly turned the tide, assisting and then scoring to bring Miami ahead.

He capped the match with a fantastic solo effort, leading Miami to a 4-1 victory.

June 29: Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Inter Miami

Messi faced off against his former club PSG for the first time, but it turned out to be a challenging match, as Miami was eliminated from the competition with a heavy defeat.

Messi’s team exited the tournament after conceding all four goals in the first half, extinguishing hopes of an upset.

Now, all focus shifts back to the MLS and the Leagues Cup.

June 23: Inter Miami 2-2 Palmeiras

On the eve of his 38th birthday, Messi and Inter Miami aimed for a win to secure Group A in the Club World Cup.

Though Miami started strong, the match ended in a draw due to two late goals from Palmeiras, forcing Miami into second place in the group.

June 19: Inter Miami 2-1 Porto

Miami needed a victory against Porto to advance in the Club World Cup, and they achieved just that, thanks in part to Messi’s stunning free-kick goal.

Messi’s 50th goal for Inter Miami helped secure a 2-1 win, putting Miami on track for the next round.

June 14: Inter Miami 0-0 Al Ahly

Miami’s Club World Cup opener ended in a scoreless draw, with Messi unable to convert chances despite coming close.

May 31: Inter Miami 5-1 Columbus Crew

With a near-perfect display, Messi inspired a 5-1 rout against the Columbus Crew, contributing two goals and three assists.

He not only bolstered his scoring tally but also became Inter Miami’s all-time leading goal scorer in the league, surpassing Gonzalo Higuain’s previous record.

May 28: Inter Miami 4-2 CF Montreal

In a display of dominant form, Messi and Suárez each scored twice as Inter Miami triumphed 4-2, marking a decisive end to their recent performance slump.

Messi’s contributions were crucial in securing their second victory in nine matches, helping the team move to sixth in the Eastern Conference.

May 24: Philadelphia Union 3-3 Inter Miami

In a remarkable late-game display, Messi salvaged a point for Miami with a stunning free kick and assisted on another goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Philadelphia Union.

May 18: Orlando City 3-0 Inter Miami

Orlando dealt a crushing blow to Miami, handing them their fifth loss in seven games.

Messi spoke candidly about the need for unity during tough times following the defeat.

“It’s a challenging phase,” he remarked. “We need to stay united and resilient as a team during these trials because there’s potential to overcome these challenges ahead.”

May 14: San Jose Earthquakes 3-3 Inter Miami

In a thrilling back-and-forth affair, Miami drew with San Jose, yet again failing to capture a win. While Messi was somewhat quiet, teammates Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende stole the spotlight.

May 10: Minnesota United 4-1 Inter Miami

Miami faced a tough loss, with Messi scoring but unable to prevent a heavy defeat against Minnesota United.

May 3: Inter Miami 4-1 New York Red Bulls

Following a midweek knockout in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Messi brought Miami back to winning form with a 4-1 demolition of NYRB.

April 30: Inter Miami 1-3 Vancouver Whitecaps

A disappointing end as Miami was eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup after suffering a 5-1 aggregate defeat against the Whitecaps.

April 19: Columbus Crew 0-1 Inter Miami

With a narrow victory, Miami remained unbeaten as Benjamin Cremaschi scored the match’s only goal.

April 13: Chicago Fire 0-0 Inter Miami

A frustrating stalemate against Chicago saw both teams fail to find the net.

April 9: Inter Miami 3-1 LAFC

Messi showcased his brilliance with two goals and an assist, leading Miami to victory despite a rocky start against LAFC.

April 6: Inter Miami 1-1 Toronto FC

Messi scored his 40th goal across all competitions for Miami, securing a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC.

April 2: LAFC 1-0 Inter Miami

A rare game without a goal for Messi, as Miami lost the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.

March 29: Inter Miami 2-1 Philadelphia Union

Coming back from injury, Messi scored only two minutes after being subbed on, helping Miami secure victory.

March 16: Atlanta United 1-2 Inter Miami

Messi scored dramatically late in the match, marking his first goal of the 2025 MLS season.

Feb. 25: Inter Miami 3-1 Sporting Kansas City

Messi opened the scoring in the win, contributing significantly to Miami’s performance in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Feb. 22: Inter Miami 2-2 New York City FC

Despite a draw, Messi laid on two assists in the opening match of the MLS season.

Feb. 19: Sporting Kansas City 0-1 Inter Miami

Messi helped Miami take the lead with a brilliant finish during a chilly Concacaf Champions Cup match.