Messi Makes MLS History with 8 Goals in 4 Straight Games

Photo: AFP

Despite a disappointing exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, Lionel Messi is once again proving why he’s one of the greatest footballers of all time. The 38-year-old football legend has made a stunning return to Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring 8 goals in just four matches and breaking a historic league record in the process.

On Wednesday, Messi scored both goals in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over the New England Revolution, marking his fourth straight MLS game with at least two goals. With this, Messi became the first player in MLS history to score multiple goals in four consecutive league matches—a remarkable achievement for any player, let alone one nearing 40 years of age.

Miami’s MLS Campaign Resumes After Club World Cup Exit

Inter Miami had briefly paused their MLS season to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, where the club was eliminated in the round of 16 after a loss to Paris Saint-Germain. While Messi managed to score one goal in the tournament, the team didn’t go far. Their early exit left fans disappointed, but it also gave Messi and the team a chance to focus again on domestic success.

Following the tournament, Miami returned to MLS action with a 4-1 win against Montreal, where Messi again scored twice. His comeback to league play has been explosive, with his goal tally now standing at 14 goals in 15 matches this season.

A Night to Remember: Messi Shines Against New England

In the most recent match against New England Revolution, Messi put on a masterclass. He opened the scoring in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. Positioned right in the middle of the box, he took a calm, left-footed shot and found the back of the net, giving Miami a 1-0 lead.

Just 11 minutes later, he struck again. After receiving a beautiful long pass from Sergio Busquets, Messi sprinted forward and delivered a curved shot with his left foot that flew past goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic. The Argentine’s precision and timing were flawless, giving Miami a 2-0 lead before halftime.

A Strong Team Effort: Miami’s Other Key Performers

While Messi’s performance stole the show, goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also played a major role in the win. He made six crucial saves, keeping Miami in control for most of the match. However, New England finally found the net in the 79th minute when Carles Gil intercepted a poor pass from Tadeo Allende and fired a powerful shot from outside the box.

Despite the late goal, Miami held on for a 2-1 victory. The win pushed them up the Eastern Conference standings from sixth to fifth place, with 35 points. They are now only seven points behind league leaders FC Cincinnati and have three games in hand due to their participation in the Club World Cup.

Messi’s MLS Record-Breaking Form

Messi’s recent form has been nothing short of incredible. Here's a quick look at his four-match streak:

• May vs Montreal – 2 Goals

• June vs Columbus – 2 Goals

• July vs Montreal – 2 Goals

• July vs New England – 2 Goals

This impressive run makes Messi the first player since the MLS began in 1996 to score two or more goals in four straight matches. No other player in the history of the league has matched this level of consistency in such a short span of time.

What makes it even more impressive is that Messi is only two goals behind the current top scorer, Sam Surridge, despite playing six fewer games. This statistic alone speaks volumes about Messi’s effectiveness and impact on the league.

A New Chapter in Messi’s Legendary Career

When Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, many wondered whether he could continue to dominate in a physically demanding league like MLS. Now, in 2025, he is not only scoring regularly but also breaking records, changing the way MLS is viewed globally, and drawing more international fans to the American league.

His partnership with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets is also proving fruitful, with Busquets providing key assists, such as the one that led to Messi’s second goal against New England.

What This Means for Inter Miami’s Title Hopes

With Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami has become one of the strongest teams in the league. After climbing to 5th in the Eastern Conference with 35 points, the club is now in a good position to fight for playoff qualification and perhaps even the MLS title.

Their current momentum, especially with three games in hand compared to other teams, gives them an edge. If Messi maintains this level of performance, Inter Miami could easily close the gap with FC Cincinnati and emerge as serious title contenders.

Fans React to Messi’s Magic

Social media exploded with praise for Messi after his fourth consecutive brace. Fans from across the globe celebrated his achievements, with many calling it “vintage Messi” and “a joy to watch.” MLS fans, especially those in Miami, are experiencing a rare treat—seeing a football legend deliver world-class performances week after week on American soil.

One fan tweeted, “Messi at 38 is doing things 25-year-olds dream of. We’re witnessing history in every game.” Another said, “MLS isn’t just a retirement league anymore—Messi’s turned it into must-watch football.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Messi and Miami

Inter Miami’s next few matches will be critical in shaping their playoff path. The team will need to maintain consistency and avoid injuries as they push toward the top of the table. For Messi, the challenge will be to keep up his scoring momentum and stay fit, especially as the team juggles a busy schedule after returning from the Club World Cup.

The upcoming games will also test Miami’s squad depth, but with Messi in top form and the team full of confidence, fans have every reason to be optimistic.

A Legend Still Writing History

Lionel Messi has once again reminded the world that age is just a number. At 38, he continues to score goals, break records, and mesmerize fans. His journey in MLS is not just about bringing global attention to American football—it’s about continuing his personal legacy, one stunning goal at a time.

As he continues to shine for Inter Miami, Messi is proving that greatness doesn’t fade—it evolves.