The sundown years of a soccer profession are purported to be quiet. They’re purported to taper off, to melt, to lose the depth that after outlined them. But Lionel Messi, even removed from Europe and lengthy after leaving Barcelona behind, continues to function on a aircraft completely his personal. Messi’s newest achievements with Inter Miami have reignited conversations as soon as believed settled — not solely about his legacy, however about what stays doable as he pushes towards 2028.
Messi has already redefined the aggressive ceiling for an MLS staff that, till lately, drifted with out identification. Below his affect, the membership has reworked from a struggling facet into probably the most dominant items within the league. And now, as he continues to elevate trophies for a staff nonetheless writing its historical past, the query has shifted from What has Messi carried out? to What can Messi nonetheless do? As a result of the legend just isn’t completed but. And in response to new reporting, there are seven main milestones nonetheless inside his attain.
Messi’s newest title with Inter Miami was greater than one other trophy. It was an announcement — a reminder that aggressive excellence follows him wherever he performs. By profitable with the membership, Messi expanded his world resume in a manner few may ever match.
He grew to become essentially the most adorned participant in historical past with 46 official titles, achieved throughout 4 completely different groups. His honors span continents and aggressive cultures: 35 titles with Barcelona, three titles with PSG, six main trophies with Argentina, and two trophies already with the Herons. On prime of that sits a mountain of particular person recognitions: 8 Ballon d’Or awards, six Golden Boots, three The Finest awards, and 4 World Cup MVPs, forming a set which will by no means be equaled.
And but, Messi stays decisive at 38 years outdated, nonetheless shaping matches, nonetheless figuring out outcomes, nonetheless setting requirements at a time when most gamers fade. His profession’s closing act just isn’t a fade-out — it’s a crescendo.
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The record revealed: Seven data Messi can nonetheless break
Messi could have rewritten the report books already — however seven extra monumental marks stay inside attain earlier than 2028. These should not trivial achievements. They’re traditionally vital, not often attainable, and, in some circumstances, unprecedented.
1. Turning into the First Captain to Raise Two World Cups
As famous by beIN Sports activities: “In 2026, he may turn out to be the primary captain in historical past to elevate two World Cups carrying the armband.” No male participant — not Pele, not Maradona — has ever carried out it.
2. First Captain With 4 Straight Main Worldwide Titles
Argentina already owns the Copa America 2021, Finalissima 2022, and World Cup 2022. If Messi’s facet wins the Copa America 2025, he’ll declare a report by no means seen in nationwide staff soccer.
3. First Participant With Three MLS Golden Boots
Messi already gained the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 targets. No participant has ever gained the award thrice — and even twice in a row.
Lionel Messi of Argentina holds the FIFA World Cup trophy.
4. MLS Single-Season Purpose Document
Carlos Vela’s 2019 mark of 34 targets nonetheless stands. Messi completed solely 5 brief final season.
5. Most Purpose Contributions in One MLS Season
Messi already broke the mixed report with 60 purpose involvements. Now he targets Carlos Vela’s regular-season whole of 49 — Messi posted 48.
6. Most Assists in an MLS Season
The everlasting benchmark is Carlos Valderrama’s 26 assists (2000). Messi recorded 9 assists in his final six video games, a tempo that might smash the report.
Messi takes a free-kick
7. Most Free-Kick Objectives of All Time
Messi stands at 69 free-kick targets, chasing the long-lasting totals of Marcelinho (78), Roberto Dinamite (75), and Juninho (72). Ten extra — and the crown turns into his.
