Lionel Messi has matched Carlos Vela’s incredible Major League Soccer (MLS) record he had set five years ago. The Argentine legend has been in superb form ever since returning to action after a brief injury absence. He recently lit up the Chase Stadium on October 20 when Inter Miami took on New England Revolution in their final league game of the Eastern Conference. Messi scored an 11-minute hattrick as his team won 6-2. In doing so, Messi earned his sixth Player of the Matchday award in the MLS. Carlos Vela and former Inter Miami assistant coach Jason Kreis are the other two players who have acquired the same number of awards in a single league season.
Lionel Messi got the Player of the Matchday nods on matchdays 9, 11, 12, 32, 36 and 37. This feat was first recorded in 1999 by Jason Kreis and two decades later Carlos Vela matched the incredible achievement in 2019. Following the hattrick show at the Chase Stadium, Messi now finds himself on an elusive list in MLS history.
Ever since his return, Lionel Messi has been in absolute sublime form in the MLS. He recently guided Inter Miami to the MLS Supporters Shield triumph, also extending his record as the most-decorated footballer in history with 46 trophies. He put up a terrific show against the New England Revolution with his first club hattrick with Inter Miami. His heroics saw the Herons overturn a 0-2 deficit to a victory.
The 6-2 win also saw Inter Miami break the record for the most points recorded in a single campaign. New England Revolution held the previous record with their 73-point tally in 2021. Inter Miami’s latest victory now puts them at 74, one more than the previous tally.
Lionel Messi’s latest heroics also saw him get a nod for the prestigious Golden Foot record. He is also running for the MVP award in the 2024 MLS season. The FIFA World Cup 2022 winner will now be aiming to win the MLS crown with Inter Miami for the first time in the club’s history. The tournament’s playoff stage is set to begin on October 23.
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