Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are getting into the decisive stretch of the MLS common season with loads on the road—each for the group and for the Argentine celebrity individually. After back-to-back heavy defeats, Javier Mascherano’s squad wants a fast turnaround, whereas Messi’s chase for one of many league’s most prestigious scoring data hangs within the stability.
In 2019, Carlos Vela set the MLS single-season scoring file with 34 targets for LAFC. It stays the gold commonplace for forwards within the league, a mark that Zlatan Ibrahimović, Wayne Rooney, Kaká, and Gonzalo Higuaín all failed to the touch throughout their stints in MLS.
Messi presently sits at 19 targets with eight matches left within the common season. To match Vela’s complete, he would want to attain a mean of two targets per recreation—a frightening tempo, even for a participant of his caliber. Statistically, Messi has been scoring as soon as each 89 minutes this yr. To achieve the file, he’ll want to just about double that manufacturing.
The impression of the Charlotte defeat
The latest 3-0 loss to Charlotte FC was a setback on a number of fronts. Messi missed a penalty, Miami slipped additional down the Jap Convention standings, and the scoring race tilted towards Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who leads the Golden Boot race with 21 targets in 30 appearances. Messi stays shut behind, however each missed alternative provides stress.
Lionel Messi missed his thirty fourth penalty kick of his profession towards Charlotte.
Mascherano defended his captain within the post-match press convention: “The accountability for not getting outcomes is mine. Messi is to not blame. We have to preserve our heads down, work in silence, and put together for Tuesday’s match. We should get three factors.”
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The street forward for Messi and Miami
The remaining schedule presents challenges and alternatives: Seattle Sounders, D.C. United, New York Metropolis FC, Toronto, Chicago Fireplace, New England Revolution, Atlanta United, and Nashville. Every of those video games shall be important not just for playoff positioning but in addition for Messi’s pursuit of Vela’s milestone.
Messi himself emphasised the significance of managing his health after latest harm struggles: “I simply got here again from an harm. I’m advantageous now, however we determined to relaxation and put together for what’s coming. We wish to win MLS—it’s our goal—and I hope to be prepared.”
A title inside attain
For Messi and Inter Miami, the larger image stays the MLS Cup. The franchise, owned by David Beckham, remains to be chasing its first league title. Successful it could cement Messi’s legacy in North American soccer, no matter whether or not he surpasses Vela’s file.
Nonetheless, the numbers don’t lie: Messi has little margin for error if he needs his title etched into the MLS historical past books. The chase begins Tuesday towards Seattle—a must-win for each Miami’s season and Messi’s pursuit of greatness.
