Messi, who is "retiring" in MLS, has created another history. He still has surprises in store for the 2026 World Cup

Since Messi moved from the European League to the Major League, I believe many fans have thought that Messi has begun to "retire".

But Messi in the MLS does not seem to be satisfied with his "retirement". In the just-matched match between Inter Miami and Nashville, Messi helped Miami reverse Nashville 5-2 with his surprising performance. Not only did he help the team secure a playoff spot, but he also witnessed the rewriting of MLS history.

After this game, Messi scored 50 goals in 53 games, shortening the "fastest 50 goals" record (54 games) held by Ibrahimovic and Joseph Martinez by one game. At the age of 38, he once again broke the law of "veteran decline" and injected a legendary footnote into the game.

The weight of this achievement can only be understood by comparing it with the previous record holders. Ibrahimovic once dominated the MLS with a "God's perspective", and his 50 goals in 54 games was praised as a "historic performance"; Martinez's average goal rate of 0.93 is a benchmark for efficient shooters. Messi only surpassed him by 1 game. Behind this is his precise control of the rhythm of the game and his incredible talent.

Messi has played 43 games for Miami this season, contributing 37 goals and 18 assists, averaging 1.28 goals per game, helping the team enter the playoffs from the lower reaches. Not only did he lead the league in scorers (29 goals) and assists (16 times), becoming the league's first double winner in a single season, he also topped the list in shooting success rate, number of dribbles and other statistics, proving that he is still the core of tactics.

After the record was refreshed, new suspense arose: With 889 goals in his career, can he hit the 900-goal mark? Can he lead the team to win the first championship in team history in the playoffs? How will the record of wearing the hat for 17 consecutive years be continued? Whatever the future holds, the 50-goal feat in 53 games has profoundly impacted MLS. Nashville fans applauded after the game, and the opponent's coach admitted that "we were facing something beyond football."

After watching this game, more fans are looking forward to Messi's performance in the 2026 World Cup. Some people even speculate that Messi's move to the MLS is a big move. Next year's World Cup happens to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Maybe Messi's move to the MLS is to prepare for next year's World Cup in advance. Maybe he will surprise us in next year's World Cup!

Are you looking forward to it?