Could Inter Miami's Lionel Messi Set the MLS Goal-scoring Record in 2025?

 

Could Inter Miami's Lionel Messi Set the MLS goal-scoring Record in 2025?

As the 2025 Major League Soccer season heats up, one question is generating serious buzz across the football world: Could Lionel Messi break the MLS all-time goalscoring record this year? With his dazzling performances for Inter Miami, the Argentine icon is already rewriting the league's history books—and he's showing no signs of slowing down.

Messi’s Impact Since Arriving in MLS

Messi has changed not only himself but also how MLS is seen nationally since joining the Inter Miami club in 2023. His every move has been received with cheers of excitement in packed stadiums across the United States and Canada, and ticket sales and global TV viewership have rocketed.

Moreover, his numbers support the rumor. Messi became one of the top scorers in MLS right away after hitting 23 goals in just 27 league games during the first season of his career. The setting is now set for something significant with a team built around his ideas and a whole preseason under his belt.

What’s the Record to Beat?

Chris Wondolowski, who played for the San Jose Earthquakes for 18 years and finished with 171 goals, now holds the record for most goals in an MLS career. Messi started later, but his unmatched efficiency could more than make up for his lack of toughness.

according to how many seasons Messi plays after this one, he would need to average more than one goal per game in 2025 to break the record. Even if that might seem high, a player of his level might still accomplish it, especially given his current form.

Messi’s 2025 Start: A Record-Breaking Pace?

With 15 games played so far in the 2025 MLS season, Messi has already scored 17 goals, putting him in a strong position to win the Golden Boot and possibly break the league's single-season scoring record, which is currently held by Carlos Vela (34 goals in 2019).

Messi might conclude 2025 with 35–40 goals if he maintains his fitness and keeps up this pace, which would drastically reduce the distance to the record in just his second full season.

Inter Miami’s Role in the Record Hunt

The system that supports Messi is vital to his success, and Inter Miami has made it clear that they are fully dedicated to it. Messi is doing well in a system aimed at displaying his skills, with younger players coming up to help the attack and old Barcelona teammates like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets continuing to provide world-class service.

The attacking scheme has been planned by coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino to give Messi the most creative freedom possible, and every goal scored shows the team's harmony.

Staying Power: Will Messi Play Long Enough?

Longevity is one aspect of the record chase. Messi is still playing at a high level at the age of 38, but it's unclear how long he'll be in Major League Soccer. He has a very real opportunity to surpass or even surpass Wondolowski's record if he stays until the conclusion of the 2026 season, which many people think he will, particularly with the World Cup in the United States approaching.

Not to mention that Messi isn't only after goals to boost his stats. He is driven by the desire to win, advance the sport, and make a significant contribution to American soccer.

A Boost for MLS Legacy

Whether Messi breaks the record or not, he is already an important fixture in MLS history. Few could have predicted how his games would inspire a new generation of fans, improve the standard of play, and bring Major League Soccer to an international audience.

If he adds the goal-scoring victory to his long list of accomplishments—not just for Inter Miami but for the league as a whole—his reputation as a game-changing player will only grow.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, may Lionel Messi break the all-time MLS goalscoring record? It is possible. He is already on track to break single-season records with his current form, level of fitness, and the support of his fellow players. In the years to come, he may even rewrite the all-time scoreboard.

One thing is certain, regardless of the final score: Messi's MLS career is already legendary, and his greatest moment may be yet to come.