How Far is Lionel Messi From Becoming Inter Miami’s All-Time Leading Goal Scorer After Late Equalizer Against LA Galaxy?

It looked like a losing game for Inter Miami after they conceded an LA Galaxy goal in the 74th minute from Dejan Joveljic. But at death, Miami skipper Lionel Messi did what he is famous for doing. A clutch 92nd-minute goal came off the Argentine’s boot to equalize the game for the Herons. That was Messi’s first competitive goal for Inter Miami in the ongoing MLS season. La Pulga had scored 11 goals for the Miami franchise last season across the Leagues Cup and the MLS in two months. With 12 goals in his tally now, the 36-year-old is back in the race to become Inter Miami’s all-time top scorer.

Let’s explore how many goals will Messi take to secure the Herons’ Golden Boot. To reach the top, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will have to first surpass his current teammates Robert Taylor and Leonardo Campana.

Who is Inter Miami’s top scorer? How close is Lionel Messi to get that honor?

The Herons’ top scorer is none other than Leo Messi’s ex-Argentine teammate Gonzalo Higuain. Higuain has scored 29 goals for Miami in 70 appearances, sitting at the top of the scoring leaders. Higuain joined the club in 2020 and played till 2022, retiring from soccer at Inter Miami. Messi is 17 goals behind his compatriot on the list of top scorers. But he seems to have a better goal-to-match ratio than Higuain, as his 12 goals come from just 16 appearances with the club.

Meanwhile, Robert Taylor is tied with Messi in the goal race with 12 goals. It took 78 matches for the midfielder to score 12 goals. Besides, Taylor is not the active Miami star on the top goal scorer’s list. Star striker Leonardo Campana is ahead of Messi and Taylor with 23 goals in 66 games. Therefore, Campana and Taylor are La Pulga’s primary competition before eyeing to overtake Higuain. It is a bit dubious if the 2022 World Champion will accomplish that feat in this season, considering he will miss certain Miami games for national duty.

Messi’s absence could hamper his run to be the Herons’ top scorer

2024 happens to be a highly busy year in La Pulga’s calendar. Inter Miami action aside, he will also be occupied with Argentina’s friendly games and the Copa America tournament. Starting next month, Leo Messi is expected to miss at least seven Miami games to play for Argentina. The count will increase if Argentina makes it to the Copa America’s knockout stages.

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Besides, rumors also have it that Messi will captain the Albiceleste at the forthcoming Paris Olympics, which starts in June. Such outings could cost Miami games for the superstar striker. Furthermore, certain recurring physical concerns will also probably hamper the captain’s playtime with the Herons. Hence, it would rather be a difficult task for the 36-year-old to overthrow Higuain at the top. But scoring goals has always been a routine affair for the Miami skipper. Let’s sit this season out to see where the Argentine lands on the scorer’s list.

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