What MLS records are in Lionel Messi’s sights?

While the popularity of soccer in the United States has enjoyed a steady growth, never have we witnessed the global attention turn to Major League Soccer than in recent weeks. Yes, iconic players such as Pelé (in the NASL) and David Beckham have grabbed headlines and increased attendances, but neither captured the imagination quite like the news surrounding Lionel Messi.

Messi-mania in MLS

Ticket prices for games that he may be involved in rocketed, the stadiums selling out in minutes, and all eyes are primed for Inter Miami’s first game with the Argentine, dubbed the greatest ever by many, in their ranks. That date is just a month away, 21 July in a game against Liga MX club Cruz Azul in the revamped Leagues Cup.

Despite always being regarded as a team player, unlike some other superstars who appear to put themselves first, Messi has still managed to break multiple records, primarily as a goalscorer and assist maker. So, with a new bumper package lined up for the former Barcelona and PSG man, what pages in the history books could he be aiming to rewrite, even if only in the league for a year or two? We take a look...

The first thing thing surely on his list is to boost the performances of his new Miami franchise. A decent showing in this summer’s Leagues Cup would be a good beginning. But in the MLS, his individual qualities will be monitored.

Who are the top MLS Golden Boot winners?

In the history of the MLS, several players have left their mark as the top single-season goalscorers. We say ‘single-season’ as Messi, 36-years old on 24 June, is not going to get close to the 171 overall goals record achieved by Chris Wondolowski over 18 seasons.

Carlos Vela holds the impressive record for the highest number of goals scored in a single season. Playing for Los Angeles FC, Vela netted an astounding 34 goals during the 2019 season. Can Beckham’s team star take that crown in the time he has there?

Following closely behind Vela is Josef Martinez, who achieved his 31 goals for Atlanta United in the 2018 season, and a year later Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit 30.

Bradley Wright-Phillips, representing the New York Red Bulls, secured third place in the ranking with his impressive performance during the 2014 season. He recorded an impressive 27 goals, level with the all-time record scorer, Wondolowski, a star for the San Jose Earthquakes, who matched that feat two years earlier.

Who are the top MLS assist makers?

Like with the goalscoring targets, we’re only considering single-season tallies for Messi to be going after. Yes, he has a history of making a mockery of records but given he’s unlikely to be playing in the league for very long, we can’t really see him, for example, topping the 136 assists of Landon Donovan, achieved over 15 seasons and 343 appearances.

Instead, his objective is to create 27 goals for his teammates to take the single-season record currently held by Carlos Valderrama since the turn of the century. Even making 21 would take him into second place.

Messi may be at in the latter years of his career but expectations are high, especially if other seasoned pros -- potentially old, all-conquering Barça teammates as well -- join him in Miami.

We’ll be keeping a very close eye on his exploits both on and off the field...