Despite Inter Miami’s recent slump—losing two of their last three MLS matches—Lionel Messi remains a standout performer in the 2025 season.
Inter Miami is going through a rough patch in the 2025 Major League Soccer season. With two losses in their last three league matches, the Herons have fallen behind in the battle for the Supporters’ Shield. They now sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 21 points—though they’ve played one game less—trailing FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew (both with 25 points) and Philadelphia Union (23 points).
While the team’s form has dipped, Lionel Messi continues to lead key individual stat categories, proving he’s still a top-level force in American soccer.
Messi leads in shooting stats
Even with the team struggling, Messi’s output in front of goal remains elite. He currently leads the MLS in total shots per 90 minutes, averaging 4.9, ahead of Denis Bouanga (LAFC) with 4.5 and Christian Benteke (DC United) with 4.2. He also tops the league in shots on target, averaging 2.5 per 90 minutes, more than Bouanga (2.2) and Benteke (2.1).
Where Messi trails the pack
Messi isn’t leading every category, though. He’s tied for fourth in the Golden Boot race with 5 goals. The current top scorers—Brian White, Cristian Arango, Tai Baribo, and Hugo Cuypers—each have 8 goals. When it comes to assists, Messi’s 2 place him fifth in a group led by Pep Biel, Luis Suárez, and Quinn Sullivan (6 each).
In direct goal involvements (goals + assists), Messi has 7, which is fourth-best in the league, trailing Martín Ojeda and Anders Dreyer (10), as well as several others tied at 9 and 8.
Close but not quite in other metrics
Messi is also second in successful dribbles per 90 minutes, completing 3.1 with a 50% success rate, behind Bouanga (3.4). In free-kick goals, Messi has yet to find the net despite taking six attempts, while Evander (Cincinnati) leads with two.
He’s also creating chances, with six big chances created, putting him fifth in that stat. Pep Biel (13) leads the league, followed by Dreyer and Espinoza.
What’s next?
While Inter Miami’s team form must improve if they want to contend for silverware, Messi’s continued excellence gives fans hope. The Herons have the firepower, and if the supporting cast—Suárez, Busquets, and company—can step up, they may climb back into contention. Until then, it’s Messi’s individual brilliance keeping the spotlight on Miami.
