Lionel Messi has had another remarkable season in Major League Soccer (MLS), dominating the league with record-breaking performances. However, despite his incredible individual success, the Inter Miami star faces a new challenge — leading his team to their first-ever MLS Cup victory. For many, this achievement will determine whether Messi’s season is seen as a triumph or a disappointment.
The 38-year-old Argentine has signed a new contract with Inter Miami until 2028, showing his long-term commitment to the club. In the 2025 season, Messi scored 29 goals, earning him the MLS Golden Boot and making him the favourite for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award once again.
If he wins, Messi will become the first player in MLS history to claim the MVP title two years in a row, cementing his dominance in American football. Despite this, the football icon and his team know that success in the MLS Cup play-offs is what truly counts in the United States.
While most football leagues around the world view the league title as the main prize, MLS follows a different system. In America, the MLS Cup play-offs — a post-season knockout tournament — are considered the most prestigious trophy.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham and coached by Javier Mascherano, begin their campaign against Nashville SC on Friday in the first round of a best-of-three series. The team’s focus is clear: win the MLS Cup and make history.
Messi’s arrival in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) transformed Inter Miami on and off the pitch. His influence attracted other global stars, including Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, turning the club into one of the most popular teams in world football.
Inter Miami now sells more jerseys than Juventus, and Messi’s shirt has even been featured in Vogue magazine. His impact has boosted the club’s revenue, attendance, and international reputation — and when he eventually retires, he is expected to become a part-owner of the franchise.
On the field, Messi came close to breaking the MLS record for combined goals and assists in a single season. The current record of 49, set by Carlos Vela in 2019, was narrowly missed by Messi, who finished with 45 (29 goals and 16 assists) in just 28 appearances.
He was named MLS Player of the Month three times this year, highlighting his consistency and leadership. Yet, for all the personal accolades, the MLS Cup remains missing from his collection.
Inter Miami have already enjoyed success in smaller competitions, such as the 2023 Leagues Cup, where they defeated teams from Mexico’s Liga MX. However, since then, they have fallen short in seven tournaments, adding only the 2024 Supporters’ Shield for topping the league table.
Defender Noah Allen, speaking ahead of the play-offs, said: “We have high expectations for ourselves. We want to win every trophy possible.”
For players and fans alike, failure to win the MLS Cup would be seen as falling short of the team’s potential.
Football analysts have weighed in on the pressure surrounding Messi and his teammates. Former MLS Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips said: “You can’t assemble The Avengers and not win the MLS Cup.”
He acknowledged that while Inter Miami’s rise is impressive, not winning the Cup would raise questions about their legacy.
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