Lionel Messi needs just 28 goals to become Inter Miami's highest-ever goalscorer

Lionel Messi is already Barcelona and Argentina's record goalscorer and he is just 28 strikes away from replicating the feat with Inter Miami.

Messi finished his stunning stint with Barcelona on a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances, while his goal for Argentina against Australia in China last month was his 103rd for La Albiceleste.

On Friday night, Messi enjoyed the perfect debut with new club Inter when he came off the bench to score an incredible 94th minute free-kick winner against Cruz Azul at the DRV PNK Stadium.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner entered the fray early in the second half alongside long-time teammate Sergio Busquets in the Leagues Cup clash and announced himself in scintillating fashion.

Messi, who has been appointed as Inter's captain by manager Gerardo Tata Martino, is now set to make his first start for the Herons as they take on Atlanta United in the next cup fixture on Wednesday.

Image: Getty

He will be looking to add to his Inter tally and already you get the sense that he has another record in his sights.

That's because Messi needs to find the net 28 more times in an Inter shirt to become a team's highest ever scorer for the third time.

The current record is held by Messi's compatriot and former Argentina teammate Gonzalo Higuain, who was one of Inter's marquee signings in September 2020.

Image: Getty

The former Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea striker hit 29 goals in 70 appearances before retiring last year.

Second on the list is current Inter forward Leonardo Campana, who is the only other player in history to record double figures for David Beckham's franchise.

Image: Getty

The Ecuadorian, who Messi gifted tickets to for his unveiling event, has found the net 16 times.

Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan and Rodolfo Pizarro, the man who made way to accommodate Messi as a designated player, are tied on seven.

Messi's new colleagues Josef Martinez and Robert Taylor have both notched six times, the same as Ariel Lassiter, Brek Shea and Robbie Robinson.

Here it the top ten in full:

1.Gonzalo Higuain (29)

2.Leonardo Campana (15)

3.Lewis Morgan (7)

= Rodolfo Pizarro (7)

5.Josef Martinez (6)

= Ariel Lassiter (6)

= Brek Shea (6)

= Robbie Robinson (6)

= Robert Taylor (6)

10.Indiana Vassilev (5)