Messi Shatters Another Barrier as Inter Miami Victory Brings Him Within Striking Distance of Historic All-Time Record
Lionel Messi added another milestone to his legendary career on Saturday evening, reaching his 400th professional assist while guiding Inter Miami through the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs with a decisive Game 3 victory against Nashville SC.
The Herons dominated with a commanding 4–0 triumph in the series finale, with Messi delivering an exceptional performance featuring two goals and two assists. Across the three-match series, the 38-year-old superstar contributed five goals and three assists, playing a role in every single goal Miami scored.
His impressive playoff showing, which came after tallying 29 goals and 19 assists during 29 regular-season appearances, elevated the Argentine legend to 400 career assists and 894 total goals across club and international competitions. Messi leads all active players in assists and sits just four shy of Ferenc Puskás's all-time mark of 404.
Regarding his assist tally, Messi has distributed his playmaking across multiple teams and his national squad. During his Barcelona tenure, he accumulated 303 assists, followed by 35 during his Paris Saint-Germain stint and 39 with Inter Miami. He has also contributed 63 assists for Argentina.
With his five playoff goals thus far, Messi joined an exclusive group as only the 13th player in MLS history to net that many in a single postseason campaign. If Miami continues their playoff journey, potentially spanning three additional matches, he could pursue Carlos Ruiz's record of eight goals achieved with LA Galaxy in 2002.
Messi Assists Breakdown
Team | Assists |
|---|---|
FC Barcelona | 303 |
Paris St. Germain | 35 |
Inter Miami | 39 |
Argentina | 63 |
After eliminating Nashville in the opening round, Messi and third-seeded Miami now gear up for a winner-take-all Eastern Conference semifinal clash against second-seeded FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium, aiming to advance and face either Philadelphia Union or New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Final.
The victory also erased any lingering concerns following their first-round elimination in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, despite stellar individual performances from Messi and teammates.
Messi Doing 'Crazy' Things On and Off the Ball
While his on-ball brilliance will deservedly earn praise, Messi's work rate without possession drew admiration from Javier Mascherano. "Leo led our team's high pressing, and seeing him do that at 38 years old is incredible," Inter Miami's manager praised.
"Everyone knows his abilities with the ball, but his work without it was remarkable."
Largely due to their iconic No. 10's contributions, Inter Miami has secured an Eastern Conference semifinal matchup with FC Cincinnati later this month. The Herons have already surpassed their previous playoff achievements in the franchise's brief existence, yet Miami harbors greater ambitions.
"Losing wasn't an option. I've been haunted by last year's disappointment," stated defender Noah Allen. "I realize we have many new faces, but those of us from last season definitely felt that burden. We're a team with lofty expectations. We refuse to be a first-round casualty."
If they capture the Eastern Conference title this autumn, they would compete for MLS Cup on Dec. 6 against the Western Conference winner, which could be Thomas Muller's Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Son Heung-min's LAFC, San Diego FC, Portland Timbers or Minnesota United.