A record that would redefine MLS history
If he maintains his pace in the final match against Nashville SC on Decision Day. Messi would become the first player in MLS history to lead both categories in the same season.
This achievement would not only solidify his status as a global football icon but also raise the benchmark for future talents in the American league.
Lionel Messi is proving that his influence transcends the field and that his ability to create play and score goals makes him unmatched in any tournament he participates in.
Historic rivalries and precedents
Throughout MLS history, only a few players have come close to this milestone. In 2015, Italian player Sebastian Giovinco scored 22 goals and provided 16 assists—an extraordinary performance. Yet insufficient to lead both charts.
Meanwhile, in 2019, Carlos Vela recorded 34 goals, the regular-season record, along with 15 assists. Falling just short of the dual leadership that Lionel Messi could achieve this year.
Messi impact on the MLS is also reflected in his ability to attract new fans and elevate the league’s level of competitiveness.
Lionel Messi is not only chasing personal numbers but also redefining standards and creating a ripple effect in the perception of American soccer.
His presence has increased MLS visibility worldwide, inspiring young talents to dream of shining in the league.
If Lionel Messi manages to lead both charts by the end of the season. His name will not only be etched in statistical records but will mark a turning point in the history of American soccer.
Every goal and every assist Messi has made this season are steps toward a feat that few would dare to imagine.
