Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Atlanta United. The Argentine superstar has now set a historic MLS assist record and is closing in on Carlos Vela’s remarkable single-season milestone.
Messi Makes MLS History With Incredible Record and Closes In on Carlos Vela
Lionel Messi has officially made MLS history once again after an incredible performance for Inter Miami, while moving closer to another legendary record.
The 39-year-old Argentina superstar scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 on October 17.
But his performance was about much more than helping his team secure three points.
Messi has become the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
And according to Associated Press, he is now just nine goal contributions away from matching Carlos Vela’s historic single-season record.
Messi creates another piece of MLS history
Messi’s record-breaking moment arrived just before half-time against Atlanta United.
The Inter Miami captain helped create Germán Berterame’s opening goal in the 45th minute, earning a secondary assist.
That took Messi to 15 assists in the 2026 MLS regular season.
He is now the first player in league history to reach at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
The achievement shows that Messi continues to be one of the league’s most creative players, even at the age of 39.
Two goals in just four minutes
Messi then produced another brilliant performance in front of goal.
In the 56th minute, he combined with Berterame before finishing with his left foot to double Inter Miami’s lead.
Just four minutes later, Messi scored again after receiving a pass from Luis Suárez.
His two goals came in the space of only four minutes, giving Inter Miami a comfortable 3-0 advantage.
Atlanta United pulled one goal back through Fafà Picault’s late penalty, but Miami secured an important 3-1 victory.
Messi finished the match with two goals and one assist, directly contributing to all three of his team’s goals.
Messi closes in on Carlos Vela’s historic record
Messi’s latest performance also brought him closer to another remarkable MLS achievement.
In 2019, former Los Angeles FC star Carlos Vela set the MLS record for the most combined goals and assists in a single regular season.
The Mexican forward recorded:
34 goals and 15 assists, giving him 49 goal contributions.
According to Associated Press, Messi has now reached 40 goal contributions in the 2026 season, with 25 goals and 15 assists.
That would put him just nine contributions away from matching Vela’s historic record and 10 away from breaking it.
However, the latest MLS website report lists Messi with 23 goals and 15 assists, a total of 38. The published figures therefore differ between sources.
Under either count, Messi remains within reach of Vela’s record.
Only four regular-season matches remain
Messi now faces an exciting challenge as the MLS regular season moves towards its final matches.
Inter Miami have four league games remaining, giving the Argentina legend more opportunities to increase his goals and assists.
His next chance will come when Inter Miami visit the New York Red Bulls on October 24.
Although breaking Vela’s record will not be easy, Messi’s recent performances have shown that he can create several goals in a single match.
Inter Miami coach amazed by Messi
Inter Miami coach Cristian “Kily” González was full of praise for Messi after the Atlanta victory.
The manager said he continues to be surprised by what Messi can do at 39 years old.
González even described the Argentina legend as an “alien” because of his extraordinary ability.
He also explained that Messi’s happiness is an important reason behind his incredible performances.
The Argentine coach hopes Messi can continue playing at this level for as long as possible.
Messi leading Inter Miami towards the playoffs
Inter Miami’s victory over Atlanta was their third consecutive MLS win.
The team have scored nine goals and conceded only one during that winning run.
Miami have also secured a place in the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Messi’s performances are helping Inter Miami build momentum at an important stage of the season.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is also being discussed as a strong candidate for another MLS Most Valuable Player award.
More history could be coming for Messi
Messi has already achieved something no other MLS player has managed by recording at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
Now he has another major record in his sights.
Carlos Vela’s historic 49-goal contribution total has stood since 2019, but Messi has a chance to challenge it before the season ends.
At 39 years old, the Inter Miami captain continues to break records and prove that he remains one of football’s most influential players.
And if his current form continues, another historic MLS achievement could soon follow.
