Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccitini has shattered yet another record. La Pulga now has 1250 career goal contributions, most in history, which include 866 goals and 384 assists. Just 4 days away from his 38th birthday, the little genius is still defying time and proving that his game goes beyond leagues or eras. Let’s break down what this milestone really means.
Messi’s 1250 Goal Contributions: Proof He’s The Greatest Even Without Barca
“Without me, Barcelona would be the same; without Barcelona, I would be nothing.”
Remember when Leo said this in 2019? Feels like a joke, right? Leo is the first ever player to reach 1250 goal contributions, and this fact screams that his greatness isn’t just tied to Barca. Surely, his absolute peak years were in the Blaugrana colors, but his short Inter Miami stint (50 goals already), is simply legendary.
When Leo went to the MLS, critics said that this league would be a retirement stroll. Yet here he is, dragging Miami past European sides like the 2019 Leo carried Barca. If anything, I believe that leaving Barca extended his legacy in a way that he proved he’s not a system player but the system himself.
Messi’s Set-Piece Mastery is Special
Last night, Inter Miami beat Porto 2-1 in the Club World Cup, thanks to a sensational Leo Messi free-kick. It was the first time ever that an MLS side defeated a European club in an official competition. La Pulga now has 68 free-kick goals, just two behind Pele and nine shy of the greatest ever dead-ball expert: Juninho.
At 37, Messi has shown no signs of losing his footballing precision and IQ. His latest freekick was simply a carbon copy of his Barca days and another defying of Physics. The Argentine still bends time and space with his magical left foot. And you know what’s scarier? He is not done. I believe he will surely catch Juninho’s 77, if he continues for another couple of years.
Messi’s Miami Move Was Never About ‘Retirement’
MLS felt like a goodbye tour for Messi, as the Argentine returned victorious from the Qatar world cup 2022. Most thought that it’s time for Leo to relax and play simple, enjoyable football and transition smoothly into a retired life. But last night, I saw him outrunning 25-year olds, schooling defenders and carrying Miami like he used to carry Barca and Argentina. Leo’s brain and left foot are still in their absolute prime, and that’s absurd.
Porto, former UCL champions 2004, witnessed it all. Leo’s 9/10 rating (Goal.com) against the Portugese side showed us all that he is redefining what an aging superstar can do. Enjoy him while you can guys, the end might be near yet he shows no signs of stopping.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech