Lionel Messi delivered yet another historic performance as Inter Miami stormed into the MLS Eastern Conference final with a commanding 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium on Sunday. The 38-year-old superstar scored once and assisted thrice, breaking multiple records in a single night and further cementing his legacy as the most prolific goal contributor in football history.
Messi leads Miami with goal and three assists
Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, giving Miami a 1-0 lead at half-time. He continued to dominate in the second half, assisting goals for Mateo Silvetti in the 57th minute and Tadeo Allende, who netted a brace in the 62nd and 74th minutes.
The win takes Inter Miami to the Eastern Conference final, where they will face New York City FC.
Historic 1,300 goal contributions
With his goal and assists on Sunday, Messi reached an unprecedented 1,300 career goal contributions — the highest recorded in football history. His tally includes:
- 896 goals
- 404 assists
Across his career, Messi has contributed:
- 941 goals/assists for Barcelona
- 117 for Argentina
- 66 for PSG
- 117 for Inter Miami (so far)
Among officially recorded data, Messi is the first footballer ever to reach the 1,300 mark, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 1,213 goal contributions.
Messi breaks 25-year MLS playoff record
Messi also shattered a long-standing MLS benchmark, becoming the player with the most goal contributions in a single playoff season. His tally stands at 12, comprising six goals and six assists. This breaks Ante Razov’s 2000 record of 10 contributions.
Most goal contributions in MLS playoff single season
- Lionel Messi – 12 (2025)
- Ante Razov – 10 (2000)
- Carlos Ruiz – 10 (2002)
- Jozy Altidore – 9 (2016)
- Hristo Stoichkov – 9 (2000)
Extends record for most goal contributions in an MLS season
Messi now holds the record for the highest goal contributions in an MLS season (regular season + playoffs), with 60 goal involvements — 35 goals and 25 assists. This surpasses Carlos Vela’s 2019 record of 51 contributions.
A season that keeps redefining greatness
Messi’s performances this season have not only transformed Inter Miami’s campaign but have elevated the competitive benchmark of the league. With Miami now just one step away from the MLS Cup final, the Argentine continues to prove why he remains one of the greatest footballers of all time.