Lionel Messi has set a new MLS record with 11 goal contributions in his first five games for Inter Miami, stunning fans with his unmatched form and revitalizing the league’s global spotlight.

Lionel Messi is doing exactly what many predicted—and somehow still managing to surprise us all.

In just a short time with Inter Miami, the Argentine legend has turned Major League Soccer upside down, setting a new record with the most goal contributions in the first five games of an MLS season.

With an astonishing tally of seven goals and four assists, Messi has directly impacted 11 goals in only 342 minutes on the pitch. That’s one goal contribution every 31 minutes—an unprecedented pace even by his own elite standards.

At 36 years old, Messi’s arrival in Miami wasn’t just a transfer—it was a cultural earthquake for American soccer. The World Cup winner joined Inter Miami in mid-2023, after ending his two-year spell with Paris Saint-Germain and turning down a high-profile (and highly lucrative) move to Saudi Arabia.

His decision to bring his talents to the United States reshaped the landscape of the league instantly. Stadiums sold out within hours. Ticket prices skyrocketed. Viewership numbers broke records. And the atmosphere at every Inter Miami match became electric.

Now, early into the 2025 MLS season, Messi is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, he seems more comfortable and creative than ever.

His chemistry with teammates like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—his former Barcelona comrades—has been a key part of the team’s explosive form.

Their familiarity on the pitch is obvious, but Messi has taken things even further. He’s not just scoring. He’s orchestrating.

His recent performances have included jaw-dropping assists, precision passes, and solo goals that resemble the best moments of his peak La Liga days. Fans are calling it a “second prime,” and even critics are struggling to find fault in his MLS dominance.

The record Messi just broke was previously held by Carlos Vela, who registered 10 goal contributions in his first five matches of the 2019 season for LAFC.

While Vela had an extraordinary campaign that year—ending with 34 goals—Messi’s current pace suggests he could surpass that number with ease if he maintains fitness and form.

Inter Miami’s overall performance has also transformed since Messi’s arrival. The team, which was struggling at the bottom of the table before his debut, is now a genuine title contender. Their possession game is sharper, their attacking movement more fluid, and their fanbase more energized than ever.

In interviews, Messi has expressed his happiness with life in the U.S., often seen attending local events, enjoying time with his family, and even appearing in commercials that reflect a more relaxed, approachable side of the global icon.

He’s become a regular presence in Miami’s celebrity circles, yet maintains the same focused professionalism that’s defined his career.

“Every game here feels different,” Messi said recently. “It’s new, it’s exciting. I’m enjoying football in a new way.” And clearly, that joy is translating onto the field.

It’s also fueling hope that MLS can reach new international heights. Messi’s presence has elevated not just Inter Miami but the league as a whole. Broadcasters are seeing surging viewership from Europe and Latin America.

Young American players are benefiting from training alongside the greatest player of all time. And stadiums are selling out from coast to coast every time Inter Miami is on the schedule.

But for Messi, it’s not just about stats or spectacle. It’s about legacy. After winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina—his long-awaited crowning achievement—many wondered what more he could accomplish.

But rather than winding down, Messi has chosen to rewrite expectations. He’s building something new in Miami, leaving behind a blueprint for what it means to elevate a league, a team, and an entire footballing culture.

What’s next? With the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, speculation is mounting about Messi’s potential involvement—could he lead Argentina one last time on American soil? Would he retire after? Or might he become a permanent figure in the development of North American football?

For now, the focus remains on this historic season. And with Messi in this kind of form, there’s no telling how far he’ll go. Records are already falling. Defenders are scrambling. And fans—whether in Florida or watching from afar—are witnessing a football masterclass.

In MLS, the Messi era is not just here. It’s rewriting history, one stunning performance at a time.