MIAMI, FLA. – Since Lionel Messi’s arrival in July 2023, Inter Miami CF has undergone one of the most extreme transformations in modern football history. From a struggling expansion team to a championship-caliber club with global relevance, the Messi Effect has redefined what’s possible in Major League Soccer, on the field, at the box office, and beyond.
Messi’s Individual Brilliance
Lionel Messi has put up video game-like numbers since stepping onto the pitch for Inter Miami. As of July 2025, the Argentine legend has scored 22 goals across all competitions this season. This includes 16 in Major League Soccer, 5 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and 1 in the Club World Cup. His impact is immediate and relentless, with multi-goal performances in five consecutive MLS games, a league record, and a goal contribution (goal or assist) every 92 minutes.
In total, Messi has logged over 40 goals and 25 assists since joining the club, becoming Inter Miami’s all-time leading scorer and playmaker in less than two full seasons. He leads the league in several advanced metrics, including key passes, dribbles completed, and big chances created. His penalty conversion remains perfect, and his free-kick threat remains lethal, keeping defenses on constant alert.
Teamwide Transformation
Inter Miami, once near the bottom of the MLS table, is now the class of the league. In 2024, the club earned 74 points, a franchise-best, and captured the Supporters’ Shield for the league’s best regular-season record. That same year, Miami set a new club high for goals scored in a season (79), with Messi and longtime friend Luis Suárez both contributing 20 goals and 16 assists each, becoming the first duo in league history to achieve that feat.
In addition to the Supporters’ Shield, Messi led Miami to its first-ever trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, and continued success in international competitions has followed. With stars like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba joining the roster, the club’s tactical sophistication and experience have dramatically improved.
Records, Honors, and Accolades
Messi’s short MLS career is already packed with silverware and recognition:
- Leagues Cup MVP and Top Scorer (2023)
- MLS Best XI (2024)
- MLS MVP Finalist and Winner (2024)
- Multiple MLS Player of the Month honors
- First player in MLS history with five consecutive braces
He also set a single-match MLS record with five assists and six total goal contributions in one outing, another testament to his unrivaled playmaking.
Off-the-Field Impact
Messi’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. Inter Miami’s valuation has more than tripled since his arrival, with skyrocketing ticket sales, jersey purchases, and international exposure. The club is regularly selling out DRV PNK (Now Chase) Stadium and attracting worldwide attention with each game broadcast.
MLS as a whole has benefitted enormously, global broadcasters have expanded coverage, international stars are taking the league more seriously, and attendance across all clubs is on the rise.
What’s Next for Messi and Miami
With a potential second Supporters’ Shield, CONCACAF Champions Cup runs, and more international glory on the horizon, Messi shows no signs of slowing down. His chemistry with Suárez and the rest of Miami’s core is only improving, and his leadership has reshaped the club culture into a winning, family-driven environment.
Inter Miami is no longer just a team. It’s a global movement, and Lionel Messi is at the heart of it.
Messi’s presence in MLS has done more than raise the league’s level of play, it’s raised the ceiling for what American soccer can become. Whether breaking records, building legacies, or simply dazzling fans, Lionel Messi continues to show why he’s not just the GOAT, he’s also MLS’s greatest gift.
