Lionel Messi is making significant strides in Major League Soccer as he nears the record of 34 goals in a single regular season, held by Carlos Vela since 2019. As captain of Inter Miami, Messi's efforts come during a crucial phase of the regular season, where Miami has secured its playoff spot following a 2-0 victory over New York City FC.
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Although Messi did not score in the recent match, the win strengthened Inter Miami's position for the postseason. The team now looks to defend its MLS title and pursue individual accolades, with Messi at the forefront of these ambitions, bringing both goalscoring and creative play to the club.
Inter Miami has a tough schedule ahead, facing teams like Atlanta United and the New York Red Bulls in their remaining regular-season matches. While Messi aims to break Vela's record, securing the best possible playoff positioning remains a priority for the team.
Currently, Messi has netted 23 goals and provided 13 assists in the 2023 regular season, totaling 36 direct goal contributions. To match Vela's record, he will need to score at least 11 more goals in the six remaining matches, a challenging task that requires him to maintain a high scoring rate.
Messi's pursuit of Vela's record not only showcases his individual talent but also highlights the impact both players have had on MLS, as Vela set a high standard in 2019 and Messi continues to elevate expectations since his arrival in Miami.