Lionel Messi Still Cooking at 38: The GOAT Refuses to Hang Up His Boots

At 38 years old, most footballers are either chasing their grandkids around the backyard or boring people at dinner parties with stories about their glory days. But apparently, nobody told Lionel Messi that aging is supposed to slow you down. The Argentine wizard just delivered another masterclass performance against New York City FC, proving that Father Time might need to check his watch because this guy clearly didn’t get the memo about retirement.

Messi’s Latest Magic Show Against NYCFC

Let’s be honest here—watching Messi play football at this stage of his career feels like watching a vintage wine that somehow keeps getting better with age. Against NYCFC, the Inter Miami captain didn’t just show up; he absolutely dominated. Two goals in the final 20 minutes of the match, plus an assist that helped Baltasar Rodríguez open the scoring. Luis Suarez grabbed the other goal, but let’s face it, this was the Messi show from start to finish.

The first goal came in the 74th minute, and if you blinked, you missed it. Classic Messi—finding space where there shouldn’t be any and finishing with the kind of precision that makes goalkeepers question their life choices. Then, just to make sure everyone knew who was boss, he struck again in the 86th minute. Because apparently, one goal wasn’t enough to satisfy his appetite for goal-scoring greatness.

Breaking Records Like It’s Going Out of Style

Here’s where things get ridiculous. Messi’s twin strikes didn’t just secure Inter Miami’s playoff spot—they also catapulted him past LAFC‘s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge in the MLS Golden Boot race. With 24 goals and 13 assists, he now sits pretty with 37 total goal contributions this season.

But wait, there’s more. The man has become the first player in MLS history to record 35-plus goal contributions in consecutive seasons. Because apparently, breaking records once isn’t enough for this guy. He’s now tied for third all-time in single-season MLS goal contributions alongside Josef Martinez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic—not bad company to keep, right?

Messi’s Chase for MLS Immortality

With Carlos Vela’s record of 49 goal contributions still looming ahead, Messi has five regular-season games left to make history. Sure, matching Vela’s record might be a stretch, but we’re talking about a player who’s made a career out of making the impossible look routine. If anyone can pull off this kind of late-season surge, it’s the guy who’s been defying expectations since he was a scrawny teenager at Barcelona.

The really impressive part? Messi has already notched eight multi-goal games this season, tying the MLS single-season record. One more, and he’ll own that record outright. At this point, you almost feel bad for MLS defenders—they signed up to play soccer, not to be witnesses to a living legend rewriting the record books.

Inter Miami’s Championship Dreams

Coach Javier Mascherano couldn’t hide his excitement after watching his captain dismantle NYCFC. “For me, he tries to show everyone the team spirit,” Mascherano said, probably trying not to grin like a kid on Christmas morning. “I’m happy with the victory, and with how we played. It was a good night for us, and above all, it shows us the way forward.”

Inter Miami currently sits third in the Eastern Conference, but with games in hand over the teams above them, a second consecutive Supporters’ Shield is still within reach. The Herons have 15 points left to play for, and with Messi in this kind of form, anything seems possible.

Contract Extension on the Horizon

Just when you thought Messi might be winding down, reports suggest he’s about to sign a contract extension with Inter Miami. Because apparently, settling into retirement in Miami isn’t enough—he wants to stick around and continue terrorizing MLS defenses for the foreseeable future.

The timing makes sense. His family has settled into life in the United States, and let’s be real, if you could play football at the highest level while living in Miami, wouldn’t you want to extend that arrangement? It’s like being paid millions to live in paradise while doing what you love most.

The Road to the 2026 World Cup

Here’s where things get really interesting. With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Messi’s extended stay in MLS could be the perfect preparation for one final World Cup hurrah. He’d turn 39 during the tournament, but based on his current form, age is clearly just a number for the Argentine maestro.

Argentina will be looking to defend their World Cup crown, and having their captain already acclimatized to North American conditions could prove invaluable. It’s like the football gods scripted this entire storyline—Messi spending his twilight years mastering American soccer conditions just in time for the World Cup to come to his backyard.

Why Messi’s MLS Dominance Matters

Some soccer purists might scoff at Messi’s MLS exploits, dismissing the league as a retirement home for aging stars. But watching the Argentine legend continue to push boundaries and set records proves that greatness doesn’t recognize leagues or continents. He’s not just collecting paychecks in Miami—he’s genuinely competing and elevating everyone around him.

The fact that he’s still hungry for records and trophies at 38 should inspire every athlete who’s ever been told they’re past their prime. Messi isn’t just playing out the string; he’s writing new chapters in his already legendary career.

The GOAT Debate Continues

While the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate will probably outlive us all, performances like this one against NYCFC remind us why the Argentine is still in the conversation for greatest of all time. Cristiano might be tearing up the Saudi Pro League, but Messi is out here making MLS defenders look like traffic cones while chasing down league records.

At 38, most players would be content with their legacy. But Messi seems determined to squeeze every last drop of magic from his career, and honestly, we’re all better off for it. Whether he breaks Vela’s record or not, watching this man continue to defy Father Time is a privilege that won’t last forever.

So buckle up, soccer fans—the Messi show is far from over, and if his recent performances are any indication, we’re in for a treat as Inter Miami makes their playoff push. The GOAT might be graying, but his appetite for greatness remains as sharp as ever.