Chasing Carlos Vela: Messi moves to 40 goal contributions with four MLS games remaining

Miami: Lionel Messi has moved to within nine goal contributions of the MLS single-season record with four regular-season games left. Messi’s total of 40 is nine short of the mark Carlos Vela set with LAFC in 2019, the Associated Press reported after Inter Miami beat Atlanta United on Saturday night. Matching Vela would take 2.25 contributions a game.

Brace and an assist in Atlanta

Messi scored two second-half goals four minutes apart after a first-half assist in the 3-1 win. The goals, in the 56th and 60th minutes, took his league-leading tally to 25, while his 15th assist drew him level with LAFC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the assists table. He and Josef Martínez are the only players to score 25 or more in a regular season twice.

Miami had 59 per cent of possession, but Atlanta had 15 shots to their six. Only three of Atlanta’s were on target, against five of Miami’s. Atlanta’s consolation goal came in the 89th minute, with Miami already 3-0 up.

The Vela question

Miami play the New York Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati, New England Revolution and Charlotte FC in their final four games. Carlos Vela’s single-season goal record is 34, so Messi, who has 25, needs nine more to match it.

Awards and playoffs

Messi’s form puts him in pole position for a historic MVP three-peat, potentially making him the first player to win the honour three times. He is also seeking a second consecutive Golden Boot.

Miami have clinched a place in the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs and sit second in the Eastern Conference. They enter the knockout rounds as defending MLS Cup champions. ESPN also reported that Messi will travel to Spain to collect the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports two days before the Red Bulls match.