Football

Lionel Messi player stats – How the Argentine ace keeps Herons unbeaten

Inter Miami are unbeaten since Lionel Messi arrived at the club and there is no doubt the World Cup winning captain has been hugely influential. Here we take a look at the Pulga’s numbers so far, and forthcoming fixtures, to see if this superb streak can continue.

Lionel Messi player stats – The Lowdown

When looking at the latest Lionel Messi stats there is no doubt he has hit the ground running, having an impact in Inter Miami’s three competitions to date. In 924 minutes played he has helped the team achieve their first piece of silverware, reach an upcoming final and be in touching distance of the Playoffs.

Goals and Assists

Always the first name in Inter Miami lineups, and for good reason, Messi has been involved in 16 goals in his 11 games played. That means Messi has had a direct hand in, or better said a foot in, over 50% of all the Herons goals in that time.

His best return has been in the Leagues Cup where he registered a record 10 goals in just 7 games, scoring on average every 59.4 minutes. He netted twice in each of his first three starts in the competition putting Atlanta United, Orlando and Dallas to the sword.

  • Leagues Cup: Played 7, Goals 10, Assists 1
  • MLS: Played 3, Goals 1, Assists 2
  • US Open Cup: Played 1, Goals 0, Assists 2

Average Rating

It isn’t just the goals and assists but Lionel Messi’s all-round play that has pushed the Herons to new heights. According to WhoScored the South American superstar has registered an average rating of 7.68 in the MLS so far with his best game coming against LAFC.

In that match he produced two accurate assists as Inter Miami beat the Black and Gold for the first time in three attempts. Against Nashville, although goalless, it wasn’t for a lack of effort as he registered seven shots in the game.

Overall he has made five key passes, seven successful dribbles and made 125 total passes which almost equates to one per minute on the pitch. He really is the heartbeat of the side.

Greatest moment so far

Messi vs Cincinnati
Kevin Schultz/CSM/Sipa USA (Credit Image: © Kevin Schultz/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA) – Photo by Icon sport

With so many memorable Messi moments already it is hard to single out the best one, but the US Open Cup semifinal was special. At 2-1 in stoppage, having trailed 2-0 away to the best side in the MLS in 2023, it looked like the incredible unbeaten start was finally over.

However, there was still time for a miraculous Messi cross, which found Leo Campana who converted his second of the game and kept the run alive.

Messi tucked away the first penalty in the shootout to set Inter Miami on their way to the final. After the game Campana stated that Messi had helped bring a “winning energy” to the side.

Lionel Messi player stats – Opposition analysis

As we take a look at the month ahead, we can see what’s next for Lionel Messi on the Inter Miami calendar.

Atlanta United (A)

Having been rested in La Paz earlier this week, Messi could start this game which will be a worry for Atlanta. In the Leagues Cup he needed just 22 minutes to bag a brace, taking the game away from their Eastern Conference rivals.

Toronto (H)

The Canadian side are yet to win away this season and have conceded in all of their last 13 matches. The last time captain Michael Bradley faced Lionel Messi was the 2016 Copa Centenario semifinals. Argentina recorded a 4-0 win with the “10” scoring once and making two assists.

Orlando (A)

This Florida derby has usually been a well-contested game and Inter Miami are yet to win at Exploria Stadium against The Lions. With Orlando riding high this could be Messi’s biggest test of the month.

Houston (Neutral – Cup)

Houston Dynamo won the US Open Cup in 2018 and coach Ben Olsen has got the better of Tata Martino in four of their six meetings  However, his well drilled side will need a special plan for Messi’s individual magic.

Lionel Messi
Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA – Photo by Icon sport

Lionel Messi player stats – Final Word

Already, it looks like it’s just Messi vs Haaland for the Ballon d’or with no other significant competition when you combine club and international form. This year the Rosario-born record breaker went from winning the World Cup, to becoming assist king in the latter stages of Ligue 1. He is now flourishing in this latest challenge in South Florida, bringing his world class talent to a new audience.


Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!