INTER MIAMI
Messi-led Inter Miami could be set for historic MLS season
The Herons host the New England Revolution in the last game of the MLS regular season, with Messi eager to close out the year with a new trophy.
All is set at Chase Stadium for the dramatic finale of the regular season, as top of the table Inter Miami welcome the New England Revolution with several goals in sight. Collectively, the team has a chance to break the points record, while individually, several players are still competing for personal accolades.
Following an outstanding year in Florida, where they secured the Supporters’ Shield as the best team in MLS and saw Diego Gómez named Best Young Player of the Year, Inter Miami now aim for a final flourish.
Messi competes for MVP
Although Lionel Messi’s season has been hampered by injuries—keeping him out for nearly three months—he remains the frontrunner for the Most Valuable Player award. According to FBref, Messi averages 1.73 goals or assists per 90 minutes, meaning he’s involved in almost two goals per game.
his stat becomes even more impressive considering he’s only made 15 starts this season, yet still surpasses competitors like ‘Cucho’ Hernández, who averages 1.23 goals and assists per game.
With Messi on the field, Inter Miami have secured 10 wins, four draws, and one loss (against Atlanta). Nearly half of the Herons’ 21 victories this season came with Messi on the pitch, where he averages 2.26 points per game—a far superior impact compared to most of his rivals.
‘Tata’ Martino in the Running for Coach of the Year
Managing the league’s best team, and arguably one of the strongest on the continent, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has set a high standard. Despite the wealth of talent at his disposal, he proved that star power alone doesn’t guarantee results - a lesson learned from the Galácticos era at Real Madrid. From day one, Martino has expertly shaped his team into a winning machine. Even when Messi wasn’t available, he maximised the potential of his entire squad from front to back.
While the Supporters’ Shield is already in the bag, Martino’s individual success shines through as well. His mentorship has played a key role in Diego Gomez’s stellar season, helping the young Paraguayan claim the MLS U-22 Best Player award. Martino is a seasoned manager at this level, and one of the best the U.S. has seen.
Luis Suárez Chasing the Golden Boot
Though the Golden Boot may seem out of reach, if anyone can pull off a comeback, it’s Luis Suárez. In his first season in North America, the ‘Pistolero’ has already made a mark, with 18 goals in 26 MLS games (20 goals overall this season), which works out at a goal every 102 minutes.
DC United’s star forward Benteke currently leads the scoring charts with 23 goals, but with his side on the brink of postseason elimination, Suárez still has a shot at taking the title from him at the last minute of the season.
If Benteke falls out of contention, Suárez’s only remaining challengers are ‘Cucho’ Hernandez and Denis Bouanga, both just one goal ahead with 19. Suárez’s teammates will rally behind him as he chases one last individual award in the twilight of his career, with his future still uncertain.