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Lionel Messi. Image via: Leonardo Fernandez/ Getty Images
Lionel Messi is making the World Cup conversation impossible to ignore again. At 39, the Argentina captain is still deciding matches with the kind of brilliance that once defined his peak years in Barcelona.
Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers on Sunday was supposed to be another routine MLS fixture. Instead, it turned into another reminder that Messi remains one of football’s most dangerous players heading toward the FIFA World Cup 2026.The numbers already tell part of the story. Messi scored once, assisted another goal, and stretched his astonishing career total to 910 goals and 412 assists for club and country. Even more striking is his recent form.
He now has 10 goal contributions across his last four matches. Yet statistics alone did not capture what unfolded at Nu Stadium. What truly lingered after the final whistle was one moment in the 42nd minute that instantly sent fans back in time.
Vintage Lionel Messi lights up Inter Miami’s 2-0 victory with a jaw-dropping assist
Messi. Image via: Rebecca Blackwell/ AP
Messi’s assist for Germán Berterame felt almost unfair.Surrounded by defenders in a crowded pocket near the edge of the box, he somehow found room where none appeared to exist.
One quick touch shifted the balance. Another dragged two Portland defenders toward him. Then came the pass. Soft, precise and perfectly weighted into Berterame’s path for an easy finish inside the left post.It was the kind of sequence fans have watched for nearly two decades, but seeing it again at this stage of his career carried a different feeling. There was no rush in his movement. No panic either. Messi slowed the game down and controlled every inch of the moment before releasing the decisive ball.Messi had already opened the scoring in the 31st minute with his 13th goal of the season after combining neatly with Luis Suárez and Telasco Segovia. Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis had little chance from close range as Messi calmly buried the finish.
Lionel Messi’s red-hot form gives Argentina fresh World Cup belief
For Argentina supporters, performances like this naturally raise one question. Can Messi produce one more unforgettable World Cup run?Right now, there is little sign of decline. His movement remains sharp, his passing vision untouched, and his decision-making perhaps even better than before. More importantly, he still controls matches emotionally and technically in ways very few players can.The night also carried extra noise around Inter Miami. Organized supporters group “La Familia” remained silent for most of the match in protest before finally breaking into chants late on.
