Did Messi Just Become the Second Player in MLS History to Achieve 40 Combined Goals and Assists?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Messi's 41 goal contributions this season mark a significant achievement in MLS history.
- He is only the second player to reach 40 combined goals and assists in a single regular season.
- Messi's teamwork with Jordi Alba showcased his exceptional playmaking skills.
- The team is positioned well for the playoffs with a strong standing in the Eastern Conference.
- Messi aims to become the first player to win the MLS MVP award consecutively.
Fort Lauderdale, Oct 5 (NationPress) Lionel Messi has achieved yet another significant milestone in his illustrious career, accumulating three assists during the 4-1 victory against the New England Revolution. This brings his total to 41 goal contributions this season.
Messi is now the second player in MLS history to achieve at least 40 combined goals and assists in a regular-season, a feat only surpassed by Carlos Vela, who set the record with 49 while playing for LAFC in 2019.
He initiated the scoring by assisting Tadeo Allende in the 32nd minute. Shortly before halftime, Messi showcased his dribbling skills by combining with former FC Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba to extend Miami's lead, as reported by MLS.
Despite a goal from Dor Turgeman for the visitors in the 59th minute, Miami quickly retaliated. Just one minute later, Messi assisted Allende for his second goal of the match, and shortly after, Alba secured a brace.
Post-match, head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi's game-changing abilities, stating, "He provided us the opportunity to score first and then secure the result. His assist for Jordi was extraordinary, and right after New England made it 2-1, he delivered another assist that only he could provide. His talent is evident, along with his ambition to achieve more."
With two games remaining, Messi has the chance to further his contributions and potentially challenge Vela's record, starting with an upcoming matchup against Atlanta United.
As last year's MLS MVP, he aims to be the league's first player to win consecutively.
On a team level, Messi and Miami currently sit third in the Eastern Conference with 59 points. Securing a top-four position would grant them home-field advantage in the first round of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.