Lionel Messi’s impact at Inter Miami since his summer arrival has been undeniably significant, and very few would have harbored doubts about this outcome.
The renowned Argentine superstar concluded his illustrious European career by departing PSG after his contract ended.
Despite receiving substantial contract offers from Saudi Arabia, he opted for a fresh challenge in the MLS.
Supporters were overjoyed with the news, displaying an eagerness to witness the magician’s talents firsthand.
Ticket sales skyrocketed as they eagerly anticipated the chance to watch him play live.
Messi’s on-field performances have substantiated the confidence in his ability to make a substantial difference within his new team.
Joined by former Barcelona teammates – Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets – the 36-year-old has brought many new eyes to the American game in his first couple of months.
Off the back of his coveted move, here are 10 incredible stats regarding his short time with the club.
1.Messi has registered nine goals and three assists in his first six appearances for Inter Miami
Although predominantly deployed as a midfielder in most matches, Messi retains the inclination to penetrate the penalty area and finalize offensive maneuvers.
His entrances into the box are often impeccably timed, highlighting his unwavering desire to contribute to goal-scoring efforts.
During his debut, he clinched victory with a dramatic last-minute free-kick goal in the 94th minute of the game.
This marked the commencement of an exceptionally promising phase in his tenure with Miami.
His inaugural start for the team resulted in an impressive display of two goals and two assists against Atlanta United, all of which transpired in front of his new home crowd.
Video: Messi scores stunning debut free-kick
The best free kick goal in American football history is Lionel Messi
— Leo Messi (@Messi_10_30) August 2, 2023
2.This averages out at a goal every 56 minutes, and a direct goal contribution every 50 minutes.
A remarkably astonishing level of performance is something that fans of the sport have almost come to expect from Messi.
This was evident when he achieved the extraordinary feat of scoring a staggering 91 goals in a single calendar year in 2012.
Throughout his tenure in Spain, he maintained an exceptional record, averaging a goal every 94 minutes and a goal contribution every 65 minutes.
3.He’s scored in every one of his Inter Miami appearances to date, and he’s already scored two clutch free-kicks
Along with the 94th-minute winning free-kick against Cruz Azul in his first game, another brilliant goal was scored from a similar set-piece situation against FC Dallas in order to send the game to penalties. His side then went on to win the game, meaning his 85th-minute strike was vitally important to the game for a second time.
Video: Messi scores stunning equaliser against FC Dallas
OTRO GOLAZO DE NUESTRO CAPITÁN 🫡 🫡🫡#DALvMIA | 4-4 pic.twitter.com/aOhBw7LJGZ
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 7, 2023
It comes as no shock, with the majestic Argentine sensation scoring many free-kicks in high-pressure situations, with the best possibly being his famous goal against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final in 2019.
4.Messi stuck away a penalty in Miami’s penalty shootout victory over FC Dallas. He also sent in a free-kick cross that resulted in Dallas’ Marco Farfan scoring an own goal.
In addition to his masterfully executed free-kick goal during the second half of the match against FC Dallas, the midfielder showcased his set-piece prowess by delivering a cross that found an opponent’s head, resulting in Farfan inadvertently guiding the ball into his own net.
During the ensuing penalty shootout that followed the conclusion of the match, he displayed unwavering confidence as he calmly dispatched his spot-kick to the right-hand side. This contribution played a crucial role in his team’s victory, allowing them to progress further in the tournament.
5.He is yet to make his MLS debut. At the rate he’s going, he could conceivably become 2023’s top scorer in all competitions, despite only making his debut in July
Denis Bouanga of LAFC is the current top goalscorer in all competitions – including the MLS and Leagues Cup with 18 goals. This means Messi has scored half as many goals already from only six games, and if he continues that strike rate, it will only take him another six to equal Bouanga’s tally.
The season started in February, but Messi only joined in July and hasn’t even made a league appearance yet for his new side. Incredible.
6.The 36-year-old is now the top scorer in this season’s Leagues Cup
Thus far, Messi’s participation has been confined to the Leagues Cup, where he has featured in all six matches and remarkably found the back of the net in each one. These goals have proven to be of immense significance as Inter Miami successfully secured a spot in the final of the competition.
Bouanga has also netted six goals in the same tournament, resulting in a level standing between the two players currently. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if Messi adds to his goal tally in the final match, given his exceptional track record.
7.Messi has already outscored Steven Gerrard, Andrea Pirlo, Lothar Matthaus, Claudio Reyna, Freddie Ljungberg and Denilson in North American football
It would be fair to acknowledge that most of the names in question played in less advanced roles during their careers and were a bit more past their primes than Messi currently is. To better them all in only six games is seriously impressive though by anyone’s standards.
Critics of Messi potentially taking the easy option at this stage of his career will be able to see this proves it is not always a walk in the park for established names when they move to America, despite the perception of the quality of football.
8.In fact, with hundreds of appearances between them, that lot only scored nine goals collectively. Messi has already managed to match this tally
This just adds to the fact everyone already knows. Messi is ridiculously good at football. He makes it all look so easy as well, with hundreds of appearances made by some top-drawer players. Messi has beaten them individually and has matched them collectively in less than 10 games.
Expect him to have beaten all of their added goal tallies by the time he’s played two more games.
9.Inter Miami were winless in six prior to Messi’s arrival but have won all six of the matches that Messi he’s featured in
Admittedly the arrivals of Busquets and Alba as previously mentioned are a big help here, but it is clear how much of an impact the wonderful Argentine has had since his arrival on a free transfer.
The team currently sit bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, which says it all about their fortunes before they got the Messi deal over the line in July.
10-Messi is now only 4/1 to win the MLS Golden Boot
Hany Mukhtar of Nashville is currently the top scorer in the MLS with 13 goals, but that could be under threat once Messi makes his mark on the competition as already stated with his goal-scoring record so far. It will take a lot for him to play catch up but with 4/1 odds it is clearly within the realm of possibility.
There is one fan that backed an incredible accumulator upon Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami, and the first half of that bet is looking very good at the moment.