MLS
Messi breaks MLS record in final Inter Miami game before Copa América
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, who now joins up with Argentina for the 2024 Copa América, has chalked up yet another record-breaking achievement.
Lionel Messi added another record to his collection in Inter Miami’s draw with St Louis City on Saturday, in the forward’s final MLS game before joining up with the Argentina national team for the Copa América.
Messi signs off with goal in St Louis stalemate
Messi scored Miami’s first goal in the 3-3 stalemate at Chase Stadium, as Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s men failed to win at home for the second straight MLS game. Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba were also on target for the Herons, who needed a late equaliser from the Spanish left-back to salvage a point.
Christopher Durkin and former Miami forward Indiana Vassilev netted for St Louis, who also benefited from a Suárez own goal.
Messi breaks MLS goal contributions record
According to MLS stats, Messi now has 12 goals and 13 assists in the North American league this season - making him the fastest player to reach 25 goal contributions in a single campaign in the division.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has needed just 12 appearances in 2024 to bring up the figure, four fewer than the previous record holder, former Los Angeles FC striker Carlos Vela.
Where are Inter Miami in the MLS Eastern Conference?
After taking just one point from their last two MLS games - Miami were beaten 3-1 by Atlanta United at Chase Stadium on Wednesday - Martino’s men remain top of the Eastern Conference, but their lead is in grave danger.
Miami are two points clear of Cincinnati, but the Ohioans now have two games in hand on the Floridians. Miami are next in MLS action away to Philadelphia Union on 15 June, while Cincinnati visit San Jose Earthquakes on the same day.
How many MLS games will Messi miss?
The Copa América runs until 14 July. If Argentina reach the final, Messi would miss at least five MLS games: against the Union in two weeks; at home to Columbus Crew on 19 June; at Nashville SC on 29 June; at Charlotte FC on 3 July; and at FC Cincinnati on 6 July.
He would also be unlikely to feature at home to Toronto FC on 17 July, and there would potentially be question marks over his involvement at Chase Stadium on 20 July, when Miami host Chicago Fire.