Lionel Messi equals Carlos Vela's historical record in the MLS

Lionel Messi continues to make history. The Argentine captain of Inter Miami reached a new mark by participating in 16 consecutive games with at least one goal or an assist, which equaled the record that Carlos Vela established during his time at Los Angeles FC in 2019.

Since his arrival in the MLS, Messi has been decisive for Inter Miami. In the current season, the attacker adds goals, assists and key performances that have kept the team in the fight for first places.

GREAT GOAL FROM ALLENDE AFTER A MAGICAL PASS FROM 10 🤩✨

This offensive consistency places him at the same level as Vela, when he signed in 2019 with LAFC in what was his best season in the league. Vela, at that time, reached the record that he now shares with Messi, in a year where he was also recognized as Most Valuable Player of the MLS.

Messi's streak reflects not only his individual quality, but also the influence he has had on Inter Miami since his arrival. Each match has become a showcase for the Argentine to demonstrate validity and ability to adapt in a new competitive environment.

The fact of equaling a mark that until now seemed unattainable in the MLS confirms the impact that the world champion has on the tournament. For the league, it represents a media and sporting boost, while for Inter Miami it is the guarantee of having a player capable of supporting the team in key moments.

Vela had set the record in 2019, a season in which he scored 34 goals and 10 assists, numbers that led him to be MVP and leave his mark as one of the most dominant attackers in MLS history. His streak of 16 consecutive games scoring was considered a difficult standard to achieve until the emergence of Messi.

The parallel between both footballers is inevitable. Vela was the first great idol of LAFC and a reference for the growth of the MLS in recent years, while Messi has arrived to further raise the level of competitiveness and the international visibility of the tournament.

With this record equaled, the next step for Messi will be to try to surpass it and remain alone as the footballer with the longest streak of consecutive contributions in the MLS. If he achieves this, he would consolidate a new personal record and add another page to his extensive career as a historic player.