Lionel Messi extends remarkable 19-year career record with assist to Jordi Alba in Inter Miami vs. NY Red Bulls
Lionel Messi has spent most of his career shattering records and performing at the highest level of world soccer. Now at Inter Miami, even in the twilight of his playing days, the Argentine icon continues to deliver standout performances. With a pinpoint assist to Jordi Alba, Messi extended an astonishing career streak in Saturday’s match against the New York Red Bulls.
Coming off a 3–0 midweek loss to FC Cincinnati, the Herons were eager to bounce back against the Red Bulls in New Jersey. The match didn’t start as planned—Alexander Hack opened the scoring for the home side in the 14th minute. But soon after, Messi took control and shifted momentum in Miami’s favor.
In the 24th minute, Messi carried the ball through midfield and found Luis Suarez, who quickly returned the pass in a one-two. Messi then spotted Jordi Alba’s run and delivered a precise through ball that split the Red Bulls’ back line, allowing the Spanish fullback to slot home the equalizer.
With that assist, Messi reached 30 direct goal contributions for Inter Miami in the 2025 season. Across all competitions, he has featured in 29 games, recording 22 goals and 8 assists—averaging more than one goal involvement per match.
Remarkably, Messi has now tallied at least 30 goal contributions in 19 consecutive calendar years, a streak that began during his early days at FC Barcelona and continued through his time at Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami. The last year he failed to reach that mark was back in 2006, one of his first full seasons as a professional.
Messi and a promising 2025
After a slow start to 2025, during which Messi was occasionally rested due to fatigue and sidelined by two muscular injuries, the forward has regained full fitness and returned to top form. In 29 appearances across all competitions, he has now totaled 24 goals and 8 assists—an impressive output for the 38-year-old, who celebrated his birthday in June.
Following the match against the Red Bulls, Inter Miami’s schedule ramps up again. Alongside their MLS campaign—which includes another clash with FC Cincinnati next week—the Herons will kick off their Leagues Cup run on July 30 against Atlas. Messi helped lead Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup title in 2023 and, with his current run of form, he’ll be aiming to secure the club’s first trophy of the 2025 season.