Lionel Messi has officially etched his name into the Inter Miami history books, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer. The milestone was reached during a dramatic 1-1 draw against Toronto FC on Sunday night at Chase Stadium, part of Major League Soccer’s “Sunday Night Soccer” slate.
Though the match ended level, it was far from uneventful—especially for Messi, who once again demonstrated why he remains one of the greatest to ever play the game.
A Historic Goal
Toronto FC opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time through Federico Bernardeschi. The Italian winger sliced through Inter Miami’s back line with a dazzling solo run and capped it off with a thunderous strike past goalkeeper Drake Callender.
But Messi responded just three minutes later, delivering a fierce shot that rippled the net and ignited the crowd. It wasn’t one of his signature dribbles or a curling free-kick, but the significance of the goal was far greater than its aesthetic. That strike marked his 44th goal contribution (24 goals and 20 assists) for Inter Miami since his debut in July 2023.
Official Recognition from MLS
Soon after the goal, Major League Soccer made the record official. In a statement released on social media, MLS announced:
“With his first-half goal against Toronto FC, Lionel Messi of @InterMiamiCF (44 goal contributions in 29 games) surpassed Gonzalo Higuain as the club’s all-time leading scorer, achieving the feat in 38 fewer games.”
Gonzalo Higuaín, who previously held the record, took 67 games to reach his mark. Messi managed to surpass it in just 29, highlighting his incredible impact on the club in under a full season’s worth of matches.
Overcoming Injury, Leading the Way
Despite battling a persistent groin injury, Messi has already tallied three goals and two assists in just four league matches this season. His goal against Toronto marked his third straight MLS game with a goal, reinforcing his critical role in Inter Miami’s attacking force.
Since arriving in South Florida, the Argentine captain has led by example—both on and off the pitch. He guided Inter Miami to their first-ever major trophy in 2023 and now continues to rewrite the club’s record books.
A Legacy in the Making
Messi’s latest milestone is just another chapter in a legendary career filled with accolades, records, and historic moments. While his global resume is unmatched, his contributions in MLS and with Inter Miami are quickly becoming legendary in their own right.
With the 2024 season still in its early stages, one thing is clear: Lionel Messi’s influence on Inter Miami—and on American soccer as a whole—is only just beginning.
