Messi closes in on Donovan’s MLS Player of the Matchday record after Inter Miami masterclass

Lionel Messi delivered another breathtaking performance in Major League Soccer over the weekend, recording an extraordinary five-goal contribution with four goals and one assist in Inter Miami‘s emphatic victory. The display earned him another MLS Player of the Matchday distinction, leaving USMNT legend Landon Donovan as the sole name remaining above him on the all-time leaderboard.

Looking to halt a five-match winless streak, Inter Miami welcomed CF Montreal to Nu Stadium on Saturday, storming to a 7-1 win orchestrated by a commanding Messi. The Argentine maestro broke through with a brilliant direct free kick in the 40th minute to make it 2-1, then added further goals in the 52nd and 83rd minutes from open play. He also assisted Luis Suarez for Miami’s fourth goal in the 80th minute before sealing his remarkable four-goal haul with a sublime set-piece finish in stoppage time.

With this historic showing, becoming the first player in Inter Miami history to net four goals in a single match, Messi claimed the MLS Player of the Matchday award for the 15th time in his career. He also returned to the MLS Team of the Matchday for the first time since Matchday 14, joined by midfield teammate Casemiro, who netted his first goal for the Herons.

The recognition represents Messi’s third Player of the Matchday award of the 2026 season. He previously claimed the honor on Matchday 2 after a two-goal display against Orlando City, and again on Matchday 8 following a brace versus the Colorado Rapids.

Messi surpasses Jeff Cunningham in the rankings

Since joining Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has rewritten the MLS record books at a remarkable pace, regularly collecting Player of the Matchday accolades. His latest distinction moved him past Columbus Crew icon Jeff Cunningham, whose 14 career Player of the Matchday awards now rank third all-time.

Now, only Landon Donovan stands ahead of Messi, with the USMNT and MLS icon holding the all-time record of 19 Player of the Matchday honors. With 12 regular-season matches left for Inter Miami in 2026 and Messi trailing by just four awards, catching Donovan is a realistic target as the Argentine maintains peak form following the 2026 World Cup.

Messi’s journey with the MLS Player of the Matchday award

Lionel Messi made an instant impact upon joining Inter Miami in mid-2023, leading the club to the Leagues Cup title, the first trophy in franchise history. However, minor physical issues and the absence of a full preseason restricted his statistical output during his initial MLS regular-season campaign.

That scenario changed dramatically in 2024, when Messi inscribed his name in the league’s history books, guiding Inter Miami to the single-season points record while securing six Player of the Matchday honors. Though the club came up short in the postseason, he claimed the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award.

In 2025, Messi elevated his production even higher, winning the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals, lifting the MLS Cup, earning his second straight MVP award, and matching his previous tally of six Player of the Matchday honors. Midway through the 2026 season, he leads the Golden Boot race with 18 goals and has already collected three weekly awards.

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