Messi, the leader of Inter Miami's 'Fantastic Four'

The Argentine has sealed a spectacular season for Inter Miami in MLS.

Despite missing several games due to injury, Argentine star Lionel Messi was the key figure behind Inter Miami’s record-breaking season, helping the team shoot to the top of the standings, clinch the Supporters’ Shield and emerge as the top contender for the title.

However, Inter Miami’s resurgence would not have been possible without the contributions of all four members of the so-called ‘Fantastic Four,’ who were instrumental to the club’s success.

What were Messi’s numbers for the season?

Messi ended the regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 games, averaging 1.05 goals per game and leading the team in both categories, tied with Luis Suárez for goals scored.

Suárez, the Uruguayan striker, was second on the list with 20 goals and nine assists over 27 games in the North American league’s regular season.

Spanish fullback Jordi Alba also played a crucial role, scoring four goals and adding 14 assists to coach Tata Martino’s side.

Although Sergio Busquets had fewer impressive numbers (one goal and four assists), his influence was vital, serving as the engine in Miami’s midfield. Collectively, the ‘Fantastic Four’ contributed to 57% of Inter Miami’s goals during the regular season. Remarkably, The Herons were the only team with two players scoring 20 goals—Messi and Suárez.

In recognition of their MLS success, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed what many had already expected: Inter Miami will host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

This first-ever edition of the tournament will feature an expanded 32-team format and is set to be held in the United States in June and July of next year.

Infantino made the announcement following Inter Miami’s 6-2 win over New England Revolution, a match in which Messi delivered a stunning 11-minute hat-trick. “Miami loves football, the world loves football, and the world loves Miami,” Infantino said. “I have three things to tell you. The first: many congratulations for winning the Supporters’ Shield. And on top, with the record of points in Major League Soccer. Congratulations! You are the best team of the season in America.

“Second: based on this outstanding performance of this year, you deserve to be, and you will be, qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. And third: as the host team of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, you will have the honor of opening the tournament, hosting the opening game here in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in front of 65,000 people and tens of millions at home.”