Eight goals in this World Cup. Leading the tournament for the Golden Boot. Captaining Argentina to Sunday’s final as the only undefeated team. That’s Lionel Messi right now, and if you follow Major League Soccer, you absolutely know what that means for the sport here in America. The biggest star in the game is also the biggest star in MLS, proving on the grandest stage that playing in the States hasn’t stopped him.
World Class on the World Stage
Messi is absolutely lighting up the pitch at New Jersey’s Meadowlands, pushing Argentina towards what could be their fourth World Cup title. They’re going head-to-head with a comprehensive Spain squad looking to add a second star above its crest. Argentina has won all seven of its games in this tournament, a perfect run driven by Messi’s ridiculous scoring touch and leadership. His eight goals have him firmly in the lead for the Golden Boot, a personal achievement that matters less than dragging his team to the precipice of glory. Even his opponents can’t deny it: Spain captain Rodri called him ‘the greatest of all time,’ telling reporters Friday that Messi ‘goes beyond words’ and ‘manages to lead his national team, and carry them… to reach the final.’ When a rival captain talks like that, you know you’re witnessing something truly special.
Shutting Down the ‘Retirement League’ Haters
Remember the noise when Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, just after turning 36? All the critics piled on, calling MLS a ‘retirement league.’ Those critics are probably looking for a rock to hide under right about now. Messi didn’t slow down for Argentina. He led them to their second Copa America title in three years, then captained them through World Cup qualifying. They snagged 12 wins in 18 games, the *only* team on the continent to hit double-digit victories, a testament to his impact.
His consistency since arriving in the U.S. is unreal. FBref.com tracks him with 31 caps for Argentina as an MLS player, starting 25 and only subbed out of six. In those appearances, he’s dropped a staggering 22 goals and dished out 12 assists. He’s produced a goal in 71 percent of his MLS appearances, actually *up* from the 59 percent rate he had in elite European leagues. It isn’t holding him back, is it?
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente knows this. He told a story from his Sevilla days in the mid-2000s, facing FC Barcelona. They man-marked this ‘new guy.’ At 0-0 in the 70th minute, the marker got a yellow card and was substituted. Leo then scored four goals! De la Fuente’s mindset for Sunday’s final? ‘We’re going to pay close attention to him.’ The King is still the King.
So, get ready for Sunday’s showdown. Argentina is chasing their fourth World Cup title against Spain, and Messi, the undisputed face of Major League Soccer, is leading the charge from the Meadowlands. What an incredible moment for soccer fans across America, and what an absolute legend to watch in his prime, even at 36.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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