Lionel Messi and the possibility of matching a legendary record
But beyond his goal-scoring ability, Messi leads the assist chart with 21 decisive passes, just five shy of matching Carlos Valderrama’s record, who in 2000 registered 26 assists in a single season.
If Messi manages to provide these five assists in the final against Vancouver, he would equal a mark that has so far seemed unreachable.
His game vision and passing precision make Lionel Messi not just a scorer but a true creative engine for Inter Miami. Every touch of the ball has the potential to change the course of a match, and anticipation is building as fans wonder if they will witness a new chapter in the Argentine’s legend.

A milestone that would reinforce his MLS legacy
Messi has already left his mark on U.S. soccer history. With his assist in Inter Miami’s 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final, he surpassed Sacha Kljestan and Maximiliano Moralez on the all-time MLS assists chart.
Now, with the MLS Cup on the line, Lionel Messi could approach the absolute record for most assists in a single season, solidifying his status as an international icon within the league.
Beyond the numbers, Lionel Messi has led Inter Miami with his vision and talent, showing that it’s not just about scoring goals but also about elevating the entire team.
With 43 goals and 24 assists in 48 appearances this season, every action from Messi is a reminder of his ability to transform games and write his own history in the MLS.