When Lionel Messi shocked the football world by joining Inter Miami in July 2023, critics questioned whether the Argentine magician could still dominate at 36 years old. One year later, Messi isn’t just proving doubters wrong – he’s rewriting MLS history and reigniting the GOAT debate.
This 1,500+ word deep dive examines:
✅ Messi’s mind-blowing 2024 MLS statistics
✅ How he compares to European superstars
✅ His transformative impact on American soccer
✅ The ongoing GOAT debate with Cristiano Ronaldo
✅ What’s next for Messi in MLS and Argentina
Messi’s 2024 MLS Season By The Numbers
Statistical Dominance
| Metric | Messi (2024) | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 18 | 1st |
| Assists | 12 | 1st |
| Goal Contributions/90 | 1.87 | 1st |
| Key Passes/90 | 3.4 | 1st |
| Successful Dribbles/90 | 5.1 | 1st |
Unreal Consistency: Messi has contributed to 68% of Inter Miami’s goals when on the pitch.
Record-Breaking Performances
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Fastest to 25 goal contributions in MLS history (14 games)
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First player with 5+ goals from outside the box in a season since 2018
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Highest-rated player in league history (8.82 WhoScored rating)
Messi vs Europe’s Elite in 2024
How Messi’s MLS numbers compare to top European leagues:
| Player | League | G/A Per 90 | Shot Creation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messi | MLS | 1.87 | 7.1 |
| Haaland | EPL | 1.12 | 3.8 |
| Mbappé | Ligue 1 | 1.54 | 6.3 |
| Kane | Bundesliga | 1.43 | 5.9 |
Shocking Revelation: At 36, Messi’s creative output surpasses all elite forwards in Europe’s top leagues.
The Messi Effect: Transforming American Soccer
Commercial Impact
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Inter Miami valuation skyrocketed from 600mto1.5b
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MLS Season Ticket demand up 300% league-wide
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Apple TV MLS subscriptions doubled since his arrival
Sporting Legacy
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Drawn global attention to MLS quality
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Inspired South American stars to consider MLS moves
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Elevated play of teammates (Busquets, Alba, Suárez)
MLS Commissioner Don Garber: “Messi’s impact exceeds our wildest dreams. He’s changed soccer in America forever.”
The GOAT Debate Revisited
Messi’s Current Standing
✔ Most Ballon d’Ors (8)
✔ Most goals+assists in history (1,200+)
✔ World Cup champion (2022)
✔ Dominating at 36 in new league
Ronaldo’s Counter-Argument
✔ More UCL goals (140 vs 129)
✔ Scored in more leagues (5 vs 3)
✔ Still productive at 39 in Saudi Pro League
Recent Fan Poll (ESPN): 61% still consider Messi the GOAT after MLS performances.
What’s Next for Messi?
2024 Objectives
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Lead Inter Miami to MLS Cup
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Win Copa América with Argentina
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Potentially final Ballon d’Or bid
Long-Term Outlook
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Possible MLS ownership stake post-retirement
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Argentina coaching role potential
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Continued ambassadorial work for FIFA
Final Verdict: Still the World’s Best?
While no longer competing in Europe, Messi’s 2024 MLS performances prove Lionel Messi:
His technical ability remains unmatched
⚽ He can single-handedly dominate a league
The GOAT debate is far from settled
As Thierry Henry stated: “When Messi plays, it’s still art. The canvas just moved to Miami.”
More Messi Coverage
[Messi vs Ronaldo: Updated 2024 Comparison] [How Messi Changed MLS Forever] [Inter Miami’s 2024 Trophy Chase]
Follow all the analysis at SoccerNewsz.com
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