Lionel Messi is 38 years old and he keeps pushing the boundaries of age in elite football, as Inter Miami head towards what may turn out to be the most significant point in their young history, their first MLS Cup win. Having recorded the highest numbers in history, Messi is now just a game short of another addition to his incomparable legacy Miami is ready to encounter New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final.
Messi has transformed Inter Miami in a transformational way. He led the regular season of MLS in goals–29 of them, five above the other players, and in assists with 19, which is the same as the rest of the league. He has just made the playoffs and has only increased his brilliance as he has made 12 goal contributions so far the most ever in the MLS postseason history. The 6 goals and 6 assists he had made the fact that there was no match to control games on the highest stakes.
Messi has scored 11 goals and 11 assists since September 30 and has not contributed to at least a goal in five out of the last 32 matches. This puts Inter Miami in this decisive moment with the highest expectations ever. The defence of the team, which has been enhanced by coach, Javier Mascherano, is now much better, yet the chances of Miami winning the title are too dependent on Messi in terms of performance and presence.
The next game against NYCFC will be based on a single question Can New York contain Messi long enough to stop the momentum of Miami? The opponents of MLS have had a hard time meeting that challenge this season.
Should inter Miami be able to cash in on the incredible Messi form, their long-term MLS cup victory may finally be achieved.
