Lionel Messi has once again proven why he remains a dominant force in football. Recently, he was awarded the title of the best player of the week in Major League Soccer (MLS) for the fifth time this season. This accolade follows his remarkable performance in leading Inter Miami to a resounding 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Messi’s contribution was significant, as he not only opened the scoring for his team but also provided two goals during the match. This resurgence came in the wake of Inter Miami’s earlier defeat against FC Cincinnati, highlighting Messi’s ability to uplift his team.
In a thrilling game held in New Jersey, Messi played an instrumental role in the match’s outcome. He assisted in the opening goal by Jordi Alba and helped create the second goal before scoring twice himself. The first goal came from a brilliant setup by Sergio Busquets, followed by a well-placed shot after a precise pass from Luis Suarez. This performance allowed Messi to tally up to 12 goals and 6 assists over his last seven games, bringing his total to an impressive 18 goals in 18 appearances with Inter Miami, placing him among the league’s top scorers alongside Sam Surridge from Nashville.
As it stands, Inter Miami currently occupies the fifth position in the Eastern Conference, accumulating 41 points over 21 matches. They trail the leaders Cincinnati by seven points but have played three fewer games. This situation offers Messi and his teammates a viable path to challenge for the top position in the upcoming matches, particularly as they prepare to face Cincinnati again next Saturday.
Throughout his illustrious career in the American league, Messi has been recognized with this weekly award eleven times, second only to Landon Donovan, who has 19 awards, Jeff Cunningham with 14, and Bradley Wright-Phillips with 12. Remarkably, Messi has become the only player in MLS history to earn this accolade at least five times in a single season. His previous season ended with him being named the league MVP for a team that secured the Supporter’s Shield. Moreover, under Messi’s leadership, Inter Miami celebrated their victory in the Leagues Cup, further solidifying his impact on the team.
Messi’s spectacular form has not gone unnoticed: he has once again been included in the MLS Team of the Week, alongside teammates Fablasco Segovia and Jordi Alba, as well as other outstanding players like Martín Ojeda from Orlando City. This recognition reflects his consistency and skill on the pitch.
In addition to these accolades, Messi reached another career milestone by surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of non-penalty goals, now standing at an astonishing 764 goals compared to Ronaldo’s 763. Notably, Messi achieved this feat while having played 167 games fewer than the Portuguese superstar, showcasing his efficiency and prowess as a goal scorer.
Messi’s tally for Inter Miami now stands at 58 goals and 25 assists over his 68 appearances with the team. Notably, he has scored six doubles in his last seven outings, underlining his current form. He aims to surpass his best yearly records since arriving in the United States, after netting 28 and 29 goals in previous seasons, including his time at PSG.
Former teammate and current coach Javier Mascherano expressed profound admiration for Messi, stating that anyone involved in sports, not just football, respects athletes of Messi’s caliber. Reflecting on their long years together at Barcelona and the Argentine national team, Mascherano emphasized that Messi represents more than just an exceptional talent; he embodies an exemplary athlete whose influence transcends the sport. The respect and admiration surrounding Messi today only affirm his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.