MLS records Lionel Messi will be looking to break in the 2023 season
Lionel Messi will have several MLS records in his sights ahead of the new season.
Lionel Messi will be looking to break a set of MLS records having made an incredible start to his Inter Miami career.
Messi has scored three goals and provided an assist in his first two games for Inter Miami following his blockbuster transfer.
He scored a trademark, last-minute free-kick against Cruz Azul on his debut and bagged a brace in his side's victory over Atlanta United.
Ahead of the 2023 MLS season, here's five records the 36-year-old will be looking to break.
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Most goals in a single season: 34
Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela scored an impressive 34 goals for Los Angeles FC in 2019. Messi, who scored 16 league goals for Paris Saint-Germain last season, will have 34+ goals in his sights, having enjoyed a fruitful start to his Inter Miami career. They begin their 2023 MLS campaign against Charlotte on August 21.
Most assists in a single season: 26
Former Colombia international Carlos Valderrama registered an impressive 26 assists for Tampa Bay Mutiny back in 2020. Messi already has one assist for Inter Miami. Just like the most goals in a single season, he'll also be eyeing the assist record ahead of the new MLS season.
Most goals from free-kicks: 13
Messi opened his Inter Miami goal account with a stunning free-kick. If he can manage 13 free-kicks in the MLS then he'll equal Sebastian Giovinco, who joined Toronto FC from Juventus in 2015. He scored 13 free-kicks during his prolific career in the MLS.
Inter Miami all-time top goalscorer - 29
Messi is only 27 goals away from becoming the club's record goalscorer. His fellow countryman Gonzalo Higuain is the current record goalscorer with 29 goals. He spent three seasons at the club after leaving Juventus.
Most wins in a row: 15
On a team note, Inter Miami could be a force to be reckoned with in the MLS, with Sergio Busquets following his former Barcelona colleague to the Florida-based outfit. Other star players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Ramos have also been linked with a move to the club.
Los Angeles Galaxy put together the longest winning streak in the MLS with 15 wins. But with the team David Beckham is creating in Miami, they could have that record in their sights when they open their MLS campaign.
Which records will Messi achieve in the MLS? Let us know what you think.
Topics: Lionel Messi, MLS, Inter Miami, Football
Nasir Jabbar