Messi enters the 2026 season with high ambitions for Inter Miami, aiming to guide the team to consecutive MLS Cup titles while playing at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium. The biggest storyline for the Argentine star, however, may be whether he can captain his nation to back-to-back FIFA World Cup triumphs this summer, as the 2026 World Cup kicks off across North America. All season, we’ll track Messi’s game-by-game performances as the GOAT looks for another epic campaign.
Here’s the latest:
May 9: Messi Scores, Becomes Fastest MLS Player to 100 Goal Contributions
Messi and Inter Miami returned to winning ways with a 4-2 victory over Toronto FC. In addition to the win, Messi reached a major MLS milestone with one goal and two assists, becoming the fastest player in league history to achieve 100 regular-season goal contributions. His effort gives him 59 goals and 41 assists in 64 regular-season matches, breaking the previous record of 95 set by Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco. Overall, Messi has accumulated 87 goals and 57 assists in 101 appearances across all competitions for Inter Miami. De Paul set up Messi for his ninth goal of the season in the 75th minute, making it 4-0. De Paul has three assists, after collecting his first four in 11 appearances last season. Inter Miami now has a record of 0-1-3 at their new stadium and is still seeking a first win on their new turf since it opened in April.
May 2: Messi Scores, But Inter Miami Blows 3-0 Lead
Messi and Inter Miami held a 3-0 lead over rival Orlando City, seemingly poised for a historic first win at their new stadium. But history was made by Orlando City instead. Martin Ojeda scored three goals, Tyrese Spicer netted the go-ahead goal in the third minute of stoppage time, and Orlando City stunned Inter Miami 4-3, becoming just the third team in MLS history to rally from a 3-0 deficit to win. Messi recorded a goal and two assists in his 100th appearance for the club, but it wasn’t enough against a team near the bottom of the standings. Inter Miami fell to 0-1-3 at their new stadium, and the defending champions remain one of only three MLS teams winless at home this season.
April 25: Messi, Inter Miami Still Searching for First Win at New Stadium
Inter Miami is still waiting for their first victory in their new home. Germán Berterame scored off a rebound in the 76th minute, leading to a 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution on Saturday night. The defending MLS Cup champions are now winless in three matches at their new stadium (0-0-3), compared to a 5-1-1 record in MLS road games this season. Inter Miami remains unbeaten in its last nine MLS matches (5-0-4) following a season-opening loss at LAFC, and unbeaten in its last 11 matches across all competitions (5-0-6). Former MLS MVP Carles Gil scored in the 56th minute for New England, which had lost each of its last four meetings with Inter Miami.
April 22: Messi Held Scoreless in Win Over Real Salt Lake
After netting a brace against the Colorado Rapids the previous week, Messi couldn’t find the back of the net against Real Salt Lake, but his teammates helped Miami stay near the top of the Eastern Conference. Messi had a one-on-one chance saved by RSL keeper Rafael Cabral in the first half, and his free kick in the 89th minute was also saved. Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez scored within a minute of each other late in the second half to secure the win.
