At 38, Lionel Messi continues to defy Father Time. In 2025, the Argentinian has contributed to 62 goals, his second-best return since 2020. His average of 1.27 direct goal involvements per game is also his second-highest in the last six calendar years.
Despite a 2-1 defeat to Nashville, which forces Inter Miami into a play-off decider to keep their Major League Soccer hopes alive, Lionel Messi was once again on the scoresheet. The goal proved inconsequential, but it underscored the magnificent form of the Argentinian superstar who, as he approaches 40, is enjoying one of his most productive spells in recent times.
That latest strike took the Rosario native to 42 goals and 20 assists in 2025 for both his club and, of course, Argentina. These figures are reminiscent of his best seasons at Barcelona, recalling the glory days of 2022, which culminated in Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar.
In terms of goals, his 42 this calendar year is his second-best return since 2020. Only the 43 goals scored in 2021 surpass this figure. However, Messi still has time to surpass that mark, and his average is considerably higher, having reached 42 in just 49 games (0.86 per game), compared to 43 in 61 appearances in 2021 (0.70).
If all goes well, Messi should surpass this mark, falling just short of his 2019 form, when he notched a remarkable 50 goals in 58 games (0.86 per game) for FC Barcelona, with whom he won La Liga that year.
Averaging 1.27 attacking contributions per match
Looking at the broader picture, including assists, Messi’s attacking contribution in 2025 (62) is only surpassed in the last five years by his 2022 form. Back then, playing for PSG and Argentina, he was directly involved in 65 goals (35 goals and 30 assists) in 51 games.
Just three goals or assists away from equalling that figure, his average remains the same, with Messi contributing to his team’s goals in both 2025 and 2022 on 1.27 occasions per game. This is his second-best average since 2019, behind only 2024, when he averaged 1.31 after scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists in 36 games.
Therefore, on the verge of his second-best goal-scoring year and his best contribution rate in the last six years, it seems clear that Messi has plenty left to offer. Inter Miami recognise this (hence the extension of the MLS Golden Boot winner’s contract until 2028), and in Argentina, fans are hoping that their number ’10’ can maintain this level to lead the ‘Albiceleste’ in their defence of the global title in 2026.