“Five impressive MLS records that Lionel Messi could break in 2026.”

A Major League Soccer (MLS) is back this weekend and all eyes are on Lionel Messi, who since his arrival in the United States in 2023 has been an unstoppable force, both on and off the field. The Inter Miami star is on the verge of making history, with the possibility of breaking several records this season. Let’s explore five achievements that Messi can realistically reach by 2026, which have the potential to further solidify his legacy.

Starting with the quest for the Golden Boot, it is surprising to note that in the long history of MLS, there has never been a player who has won the award for two consecutive seasons. Although five players have managed to win the Golden Boot in two editions, none have been able to retain it in consecutive years. Messi, who was the league’s top scorer last season with 29 goals, has the opportunity to make history if he can hold onto the title this year. While the challenge is significant, he is more than capable of achieving it by 2026.

Currently, the highest-scoring Argentine in MLS history is Diego Valeri, with 93 goals in 288 matches, placing him 16th on the all-time scoring list. Messi, on the other hand, has already scored 57 goals, meaning he needs 36 more to equal Valeri. It is important to note that Messi is already the top scorer and assist provider for Inter Miami, with a total of 50 goals and 28 assists in the league. This year, he could become the first player in the club’s history to reach the impressive milestone of 100 combined goals and assists in MLS, as he currently stands at 78 G/A, needing just 22 more to achieve this significant mark.

In addition, Messi has an impressive history with the MVP award, having won the title in the last two seasons, becoming the first player to win the award consecutively. He matched Preki, who also won it twice, in 1997 and 2003. If he secures the MVP for a third consecutive time, Messi will not only make history as the first to achieve such a feat but will also further solidify his status as an undeniable icon of the league.

Last but not least, Messi has already recorded two hat-tricks in MLS, just five away from the record held by Josef Martinez. While it may seem like a challenging task, it is not impossible. The last year Messi managed to score five hat-tricks in a single calendar year was in 2018 when he was in top form with Barcelona.

As Messi progresses through this season, fans and critics eagerly await to see if he can break these iconic records and further cement his name in football history. The sports world is watching closely what promises to be an epic journey for the Argentine star in MLS!