Messi's Miami Dominance, Colombia Clash, and Club World Cup Challenge at 38

Lionel Messi BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Lionel Messi has remained at the center of the global football conversation over the past few days, both on and off the pitch. Fresh off his sparkling form for Inter Miami, Messi was named Major League Soccer Player of the Month for May 2025, thanks to a remarkable run of performances featuring seven goals and four assists. His dominance powered Miami to a strong finish in May, including a record-setting display against Columbus Crew where he contributed to all five goals, showing yet again why he is regarded as one of the greatest ever. He now boasts 31 goals and 24 assists in just 38 MLS matches, further cementing his legacy in American soccer, and is the first player in club history to reach 50 goal contributions in the regular season, a feat widely reported by MLS Soccer and echoed across sports headlines.

Internationally, Messi’s competitive fire was on display during Argentina’s tense World Cup qualifier against Colombia. Cameras caught a heated exchange between Messi and James Rodriguez, reportedly sparked by Rodriguez’s earlier claims that the referee favored Argentina during the 2024 Copa America final. Messi confronted Rodriguez on the pitch, saying, "You said they helped us in the final. You talk a lot," though he later brushed off the incident when questioned by reporters, stating, "What stays on the field, stays on the field," as detailed by The Independent. The game itself was a dramatic affair, ending in a draw after Argentina fought back with ten men, underlining Messi’s ongoing importance to the national side.

As he prepares to lead Inter Miami into the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States starting June 14, anticipation and skepticism mount in equal measure. Outlets like Goal have bluntly forecast that Messi has "no chance" of winning the global tournament with his MLS side, citing the extremely competitive field and Messi’s advancing age—he turns 38 later this month. AS adds that with no major new signings and several key players returning from international duty on minimal rest, Inter Miami faces a true test of depth and ambition.

Off the field, Messi’s social media presence remains unmatched. In the wake of the passing of Pope Francis, Messi’s Instagram tribute drew massive attention, and interest in his account—already the second-most followed globally—surged. Wikipedia documents that his post celebrating Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win remains the most-liked Instagram post of all time, surpassing 75 million likes and holding a unique place in both his public image and internet history.

Speculation continues about his future as his contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of the 2025 season, and Athlon Sports notes the widespread relief after Messi signaled his intention to see out his current deal. With his career winding toward its sunset, every appearance, headline, and moment carries immense weight for fans and the broader football world.

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