Messi’s final task with Inter Miami before saying goodbye
MLS plays its last matchday before the forced break for the World Cup and all eyes are on Messi and Inter Miami this Sunday.
MLS temporarily draws the curtain this Sunday to make way for preparations ahead of the World Cup, which is just around the corner for the United States, Mexico and Canada.
As part of this final matchday before the World Cup break, Inter Miami takes centre stage in what appears set to be Lionel Messi’s last game before joining the Albiceleste following an expected call-up from Lionel Scaloni.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and reigning world champion is preparing for what would be his sixth World Cup. Before that major commitment, however, he has one final task with Inter Miami before saying goodbye, even if only temporarily.
While overtaking Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference is no longer possible before the break, after Nashville’s latest win secured first place until July, Messi and company still have an important objective: cutting the gap to just two points.
Beyond keeping Inter Miami within touching distance of Nashville in the MLS standings, Messi also has another important personal target in sight.
The Argentine is chasing Chicago Fire striker Hugo Cuypers, who currently leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 13 goals. Messi sits just behind him with 12, continuing to thrive in the more attacking role he has embraced this season.
Messi has become Miami’s leading scorer this year, and his 12 MLS goals are proof of that impact. He will now look to keep adding to his tally as he pursues Carlos Vela’s single-season MLS record of 34 goals.
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