Lionel Messi on historic run as Inter Miami host MLS Cup | OneFootball

By MLSsoccer staff

Surprise, surprise: Lionel Messi is on a heater heading into MLS Cup 2025 presented by Audi on Saturday (2:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV; FOX, FOX Deportes; TSN, RDS).

The Inter Miami CF superstar has an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs record 13 goal contributions (6g/7a) this year, powering the Herons as they prepare to host Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Phrased another way, the Argentine No. 10 has directly factored into 76% of Miami's postseason goals as they've outscored opponents 17-3 on this historic stretch.

Let's spotlight Messi's biggest moments as he looks to win a 47th trophy for club and country, extending his own world record.

ROUND ONE BEST-OF-3 SERIES

After earning the Eastern Conference No. 3 seed, Messi and Miami started their playoff journey in Round One against No. 6 seed Nashville SC.

Nashville pushed the series to three games, though they struggled to contain Messi – especially at Chase Stadium.

With 5g/3a from their captain, including his second playoff brace in a do-or-die Game 3, the Herons avoided an early exit.

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Miami traveled for the Conference Semifinals, where they met No. 2 seed FC Cincinnati and Evander.

In the battle of No. 10s, Messi had the last laugh with 1g/3a to take the MLS single-playoff goal contributions record (then 12).

He opened the scoring with a header, plus set up goals from Mateo Silvetti and Tadeo Allende during the 4-0 rout at TQL Stadium.

WATCH: Miami masterclass! Lionel Messi guides Herons to FC Cincinnati rout

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL

Entering the Eastern Conference Final against No. 5 seed New York City FC, the Herons knew they'd host MLS Cup with a win.

Not that any extra motivation was needed.

Messi turned orchestrator in the eventual 5-1 drubbing, recording an assist on Silvetti's momentum-swinging goal that gave him a world-record 405 helpers (previously held by Ferenc Puskás with 404).

Of course, that assist also extended Messi's playoff goal contributions to 13.

REGULAR SEASON

Messi's scorching playoff run is a continuation of his form in recent months.

With a hat trick on Decision Day, he ended the regular season with 29g/19a to win the Golden Boot presented by Audi ahead of LAFC's Denis Bouanga and Nashville SC's Sam Surridge (both 24 goals).

Over Miami's last eight regular-season games, Messi went supernova with 10g/9a.

Lionel Messi wins 2025 MLS Golden Boot pres. by Audi

FAST FACTS

Just ahead of the playoffs, Messi signed a contract extension with Miami through 2028 – positioning him to help open Miami Freedom Park next April.

Here's a look at some other notable statistics as the GOAT looks to also become the first back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP.