Messi hits his best form since leaving Barcelona | OneFootball

Even with half the year still to go, Lionel Messi has already outscored his total from last season and is enjoying arguably his best run of form since leaving Barcelona.

The last time La Pulga hit 30+ goals in a season was during his final campaign at the Camp Nou, back in 2020/21, when he netted 38 times in 47 appearances. During his stint at PSG, his highest tally was 21 goals from 41 games.

Now, in his first full season with Inter Miami, Messi’s thriving. He’s already bagged 24 goals in just 29 matches, surpassing last year’s total of 23 and with plenty of games still to play, the 38-year-old looks well on course to break the 30-goal mark once again.

Since Inter Miami’s defeat to his former side in the Club World Cup, Messi has hit a sensational run of form in the MLS. In five league games, he’s scored braces in four of them. That’s eight goals and two assists across a hectic schedule of midweek and weekend fixtures.

His blistering form has brought him level with Sam Surridge at the top of the MLS scoring charts, both on 18 goals. Messi also sits third in the assists table with eight just behind San Diego’s Anders Dreyer (13) and a pair of players tied on 10: Pep Biel (Charlotte) and his close friend Luis Suárez.

With 12 regular-season MLS games still to go plus playoffs and Leagues Cup fixtures, Messi has a big chance to add to his tally. Already Inter Miami’s all-time top scorer, the club owned by David Beckham has him tied down until mid-2026, and he shows no signs of slowing.