Lionel Messi Can Break 4-Year Long MLS Record, Days After Making Blockbuster $54 Million Inter Miami Move

It kept us guessing, but Lionel Messi finally revealed his next domestic destination. The Argentinian superstar announced his decision to play for MLS side Inter Miami. Now that everyone knows where he will play next season, fans are desperately waiting for his debut. After all, it is soccer’s most anticipated move.

While there’s still time to see him in an MLS jersey, everyone is already making predictions about his performance in Miami. In fact, it is being said that the World Cup winner is in contention to break a four-year-old MLS record.

Lionel Messi can break some major MLS records

Although it is too early to determine Messi’s first season with Inter Miami, soccer analysts are busy crunching numbers just for the sake of it. Surprisingly, the best and oldest records of the league were picked out from the history books of MLS. Hence, it was compared as to what types of records La Pulga can easily break. The analysis was given by soccer analyst, Favian Renkel.

The major record that Messi can break is scoring the most free kicks. Currently, Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco holds the record with 13 goals in three MLS seasons, but Messi’s exceptional skills give him a strong chance of surpassing this mark. Hence, he can easily break Giovinco’s four-year-long record.

Speaking of other records, looking at Messi’s 57 career hat tricks, he can surpass Josef Martinez’s six hat tricks in his MLS career. The 35-year-old can also break Landon Donovan’s record of scoring multiple goals in 32 MLS matches. Another record that Renkel says he can break is of game-winning goals and assists.

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The records for both game-winning goals and assists stand at 29 each. Messi will likely have numerous opportunities to make a decisive impact for Inter Miami when they most need him. Furthermore, he has a favorable chance of breaking various records for scoring and assisting in away games. Indeed, the list is pretty huge, just like his contract at Miami.

A lucrative contract from Inter Miami

Before making an exit from PSG, Messi was offered a mouth-watering contract of $1.6 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. The deal would have made him the highest-paid athlete in the sports world. Interestingly, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner swiftly rejected the deal. While many have been blasting him for his decision, he did get a pretty good deal from Miami.

The player will be earning nearly $60 million, which includes signing bonuses and provisions for future franchise ownership. The contract duration spans two years, concluding in December 2025. In addition to his base salary, he will also receive a share from Adidas for merchandise sales and from new subscribers of Apple TV, making the contract highly appealing.

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What are your thoughts on Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami? Let us know in the comments.