Lionel Messi's superhuman form paces Inter Miami: "He is the one" | OneFootball

By Ben Wright

Movie theaters around the country may be showing "Superman," but the real Man of Steel was doing his own hero work in Fort Lauderdale.

Lionel Messi continued his superhuman form Saturday night at Chase Stadium, logging a brace for a record fifth-consecutive MLS match to help Inter Miami CF dispatch Nashville SC, 2-1, and end the visitors' league-best 15-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

"There aren't very many words. It's incredible what he continues to do," head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters post-match. "To break great records now every three days... I've said it a thousand times today; he is the flag for our team.

"He is the one. He's the leader. He shows us the way to compete."

GOAT-level form

With Saturday's result, the Herons are unbeaten in six league matches while winning five in a row. Fifth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points, they have three games in hand on all four teams above them in the standings.

Messi (16g/7a) has been the unquestioned catalyst.

At 38 years old, the legendary Argentine No. 10 has hit a vein of form that rivals the best stretches of his career. He's bagged a brace in his last five league matches, logging an astounding 10 goals and five assists over this span.

Even more crucial is the quality of teams he's faced over this period: Columbus Crew and Nashville SC are among the MLS Cup favorites, while the New England Revolution have been one of the most defensively stout teams in the league.

This conjures memories of Messi's best moments, harkening back to a six-game stretch in late 2012 in which he produced a brace in six consecutive LaLiga matches for FC Barcelona.

WATCH: Lionel Messi! GOAT stays hot with trademark free kick

Golden Boot leader

Now tied with Nashville's Sam Surridge at the top of the Golden Boot presented by Audi race, Messi also looks like a serious contender to become the first-ever Landon Donovan MLS MVP repeat winner.

And with Messi putting on vintage performances week after week, a second straight Supporters' Shield may be in store for the Herons.

Mascherano, who played with Messi on both the Argentina national team and Barcelona, is simply enjoying the ride.

"The truth is it is a blessing in my case, at least to be able to come with him in this area at this time of his career, to be with him," said Mascherano.

HIGHLIGHTS: Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC | July 12, 2025