Lionel Messi made MLS history on Saturday, becoming the fastest player to score 25 goals in a season.
It took Messi just twelve games this season to score twelve goals and provide thirteen assists Counting the MLSbreaking Carlos Vela’s previous mark in his 2019 MVP campaign.
In that season, Vela needed four more games than Messi – sixteen in total – to score 25 goals.
Messi added to his goal collection on Saturday with a stunning side-footer from just inside the penalty area, delivered by his good friend (and former Barça teammate) Jordi Alba.
Alba also assisted Luis Suarez’s equalizer in the 45th minute, while the left back later scored in the 85th to salvage a draw for Inter Miami at home.
Lionel Messi improved an MLS record on Saturday evening, but had to settle for a draw on his own field
Chris Durkin and former Inter Miami player Indiana Vassilev scored in the first half for St. Louis, while Suarez scored an own goal in the 69th minute that appeared to seal the victory for St. Louis.
Alba’s tap was initially called back for offside, but was overturned after video review.
Even with the tie, Miami (10-3-5, 35 points) took a two-point lead atop the Eastern Conference standings and MLS overall, ahead of second-place Cincinnati (10-3-3, 33 points), didn’t play that Saturday.
However, next month will be crucial as Messi – and possibly Suarez – will miss MLS action for the Copa America.
Messi will join Argentina next week on a quest to defend the Copa America title it won in 2021, as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner tearfully lifted his first major trophy for his national team, doing so filled one of the biggest gaps in his career. decorated career.
Messi added to his goal collection on Saturday evening when he scored at home in the 25th minute
Luis Suarez scored in the first half, but gave away an own goal for the Herons in the 69th minute
Messi, and possibly Suarez, could miss at least five Inter Miami games during the tournament.
The Copa America runs from June 20 to July 14. And after the Copa, Inter Miami could lose players again if national teams call up for the Olympic Games in Paris, which take place from July 26 to August 11.
Miami, who managed to win the Leagues Cup last season with Messi, Alba and Sergio Busquets, is looking for only its second play-off place in club history.
Messi, who struggled with injuries earlier this season and was rested at times, has played just the team’s eighth minutes, a figure that is sure to plummet in the coming month.