66 CONTRIBUTIONS: LIONEL MESSI OBLITERATES CARLOS VELA'S MLS SEASON RECORD
At 38, Lionel Messi produced 43 goals and 23 assists (66 total), averaging a goal contribution every 61.6 minutes in his most prolific season since 2019.
Lionel Messi keeps having an amazing year with Inter Miami in 2025, and the 38-year-old just set another record.
Since joining the league in 2023, the Argentinian star has seemed a cut above everyone else, but his 2025 season is without a doubt his best yet.
This year, he's scored 43 goals and made 23 assists in all of Miami's competitions, adding up to 66 goals.
No player in MLS history has ever had more goal contributions in a year.
Before Messi, the record was held by ex-Arsenal player Carlos Vela, who had 52 goal contributions in 2019 for LAFC.
Before Vela, Josef Martinez had 42 in 2018, and before him, Sebastian Giovinco had 40 in 2016.
What's even better, Messi could add to his total since he has one more game to play this year, the MLS Cup final against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Here’s a list of the six MLS players with the most goal contributions in a year.
1. Lionel Messi (2025) – 66 goal contributions
It will be hard to beat this record.
The Argentinian playmaker has been in top form all year, averaging a goal or assist every 61.6 minutes.
With 43 goals, this is also Messi's highest-scoring year since 2019, quite a feat considering he's now 38.
2. Carlos Vela (2019) – 52 goal contributions
Before Messi came to MLS, Vela held the record with 52 goal contributions in 2019.
The Mexican forward was likely the best player in the league that season, but didn't win the MLS Cup because LAFC lost in the conference final to the Seattle Sounders.
He did end up winning the MLS Cup in 2022.
3. Anders Dreyer (2025) – 44 goal contributions
Messi's great form in 2025 has overshadowed Dreyer, who is also having a great season with San Diego.
The Danish winger has 44 goal contributions this year, which is quite an achievement since it's his first year in MLS.
4. Josef Martinez (2018) – 42 goal contributions
Back in 2018, Atlanta United was the team to beat in MLS, mostly because of Martinez.
The Venezuelan international had his best year with the club in 2018, which was also the year they won the MLS Cup.
5. Sebastian Giovinco (2016) – 40 goal contributions
Also known as the 'atomic ant,' Giovinco tore through MLS defences in 2016 for Toronto.
He's still the club's all-time top scorer with 83 goals in 142 games.
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2019) – 39 goal contributions
Ibrahimovic's time in MLS was short but good.
The Swedish forward spent two years in MLS and had his best year in 2019, his second season with LA Galaxy.
That year, he had 39 goal contributions, the sixth-best in league history.
EXCLUSIVE: AJAX AND SCHALKE LAUNCH BIDS FOR OUT-OF-CONTRACT RANGERS MIDFIELDER BAILEY RICE NOW
Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice is a top target for Ajax and Schalke. Get the latest on his contract status and potential summer exit.
Ajax and Schalke are chasing Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice, with both clubs working to seal a deal for the 19-year-old, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Rangers just wrapped up a training camp in Spain, gearing up for a crucial five-game stretch to go for the league title after the split earlier this month. Their run-in starts with Motherwell at home on Sunday, then a massive trip to face league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle next weekend.
After that comes the season’s final Old Firm showdown against Celtic at Parkhead on May 10, before closing out with Hibernian and Falkirk, who are the lowest-ranked teams in the split, having finished fifth and sixth.
This summer looks set for big changes at Rangers, and Rice is right at the centre of it. Romano reported on X that both Ajax and Schalke want to sign Rice as a free agent. The young Scottish midfielder is out of contract this summer. Talks over a new deal with Rangers haven’t worked out, so he’s weighing up his next move. Schalke reportedly already made him a personal offer, and Premier League side Aston Villa had also been linked with him earlier this year.
Rice has barely featured for Rangers this season after suffering a serious training injury that needed surgery; he’s only played a handful of minutes.
As for the rest of the squad, Rangers look set for another overhaul. After a busy transfer window last summer and more signings in January, things don’t seem to be slowing down. Manager Rohl has made do with what he has, but the club’s owners, the 49ers, are ready to back a ‘major recruitment drive’ this summer. Their aim? Knock Celtic off the top and keep Hearts from breaking up the Old Firm grip on Scottish football.
Nobody knows just how many players could come in yet, but it’s clear the owners are serious about shaking things up at Ibrox.
CARLO ANCELOTTI ISSUES TWO-MONTH WORLD CUP ULTIMATUM TO SANTOS STAR NEYMAR
Carlo Ancelotti confirms Neymar has two months to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup. Read the full Selecao update.
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Everyone’s talking about Neymar again as the 2026 World Cup edges closer. It’s the same old debate: does he still have a spot with Brazil? But this time there’s real hope on the table. Carlo Ancelotti’s left the door open for Neymar to make the cut. Even though Neymar hasn’t made the latest squads, he’s obviously still on the minds of the Selecao coaches.
Here’s the situation: Neymar's been battling injuries since he tore his ACL. He missed the season’s first 10 games after knee surgery last December. He got back on the field, but fitness issues and a suspension meant he still watched from the sidelines quite a bit. Still, Ancelotti isn’t ruling him out. In an interview with L’Equipe, Ancelotti emphasised Neymar’s reputation but also made something very clear: if Neymar wants the World Cup, he needs to earn it.
Talent isn't a question; nobody doubts Neymar’s skill. What matters for Ancelotti is being fit. No exceptions, no matter how big the star. “Neymar can come back. I’ve said it before, and it’s simple: only physically ready players get called up,” Ancelotti said flat-out. “His recovery from the knee injury is going well; he’s scoring again. He just needs to keep pushing and get fitter. He’s headed in the right direction.”
With 79 goals in 128 matches, Neymar has shaped Brazil’s football history. Ancelotti gets that fans want to see Neymar try one more time for the one trophy he’s never won. “Neymar belongs to Brazil’s football story. He’s hugely talented, so obviously people hope he’ll help us win the next World Cup. Right now, he’s under assessment not just by the CBF but by me, too. He’s got two months left to show he has what it takes for the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.
Neymar’s chance to prove himself is coming fast, with big matches for Santos ahead. He’s expected to start this Saturday when they face Atlético-MG at Vila Belmiro. If Neymar stays healthy and sharp, that final World Cup dream is still alive.
