8 times Lionel Messi proved he's still soccer's biggest star

Lionel Messi continues to solidify his position as the face of soccer through record-breaking performances, groundbreaking endorsements and significant contributions to Inter Miami’s resurgence.

His impact on the field is unmatched, evidenced by achievements like leading MLS in goal contributions and delivering key performances in critical matches, including a striking goal against Sporting KC and consistent dominance in league play.

Off the field, Messi's appeal drives his commercial success, from top-selling jerseys to collaborations with major brands like Lowe's and his new signature cologne.

Take a look at some of his accomplishments in 2024.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Feb 25, 2024; Carson, California, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates a goal with defender Jordi Alba (18) against the LA Galaxy during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

NO. 1: INSIDE INTER MIAMI: MESSI’S MAGIC, RECAP OF FIRST TWO GAMES, PREVIEW ORLANDO MATCHUP

Podcast guest and radio announcer Fernando Fiore gives his take on Messi, Inter Miami, Orlando rivalry | Published February 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Kaufman

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) and Luis Suárez (9) will return to action against Atlanta United on May 29, 2024 after sitting out the 2-1 road win over Vancouver last weekend. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 2: MESSI’S BACK! HE’S ON GAME ROSTER FOR INTER MIAMI VS. COLORADO IN MIDST OF MONTERREY DRAMA

Lionel Messi is available for the Inter Miami vs. Colorado Rapids on Saturday after missing past four games with a hamstring injury. | Published April 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Kaufman

Apr 13, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) passes against Sporting Kansas City midfielder Jake Davis (17) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

NO. 3: MESSI GETS GOAL, ASSIST AS INTER MIAMI BEATS SPORTING KC 3-2 IN FRONT OF CROWD OF 72,610

Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes among the fans at Inter Miami vs Sporting KC game. | Published April 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Kaufman

Lionel Messi signed a multi-year partnership with Lowe’s home improvement retailer, which also signed sponsorship deals with Inter Miami and Copa America in an effort to reach soccer fans and the Hispanic audience.

NO. 4: MESSI, INTER MIAMI, COPA AMERICA PARTNER WITH LOWE’S, WHICH AIMS TO REACH SOCCER FANS

Lowe’s loyalty programs will offer points when Lionel Messi gets an assist during Copa America. | Published April 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Kaufman

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer with a base salary of $12 million and guaranteed compensation of $20,446,667. That does not include all his global sponsorship deals. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 5: LIONEL MESSI SETTING RECORDS, EARLY FAVORITE FOR MLS MVP, HAVING FUN ON AND OFF FIELD

Messi has nine goals and seven assists through seven games this season. | Published April 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Kaufman

A new collection of Inter Miami bobbleheads featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets was released by FOCO Collectibles.

NO. 6: MESSI MANIA CONTINUES WITH NEW BOBBLEHEAD COLLECTION THAT INCLUDES SUAREZ, ALBA, BUSQUETS

Lionel Messi has the top-selling MLS jersey this season, Luis Suarez is No. 2 on the list. | Published June 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Kaufman

Buenos Aires, Argentina, MAS Monumental Stadium L. Messi (10) Captain of Argentina celebrating the first goal scored against Bolivia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier - Argentina v Bolivia - MAS Monumental Stadium Tue 15 Oct 2024 (Patricia Perez Ferraro / SPP) (Photo by Patricia Perez Ferraro / SPP/Sipa USA) By Sports Press Photo

NO. 7: YOU’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO PLAY SOCCER LIKE MESSI. BUT NOW YOU CAN AT LEAST SMELL LIKE HIM

The cologne is on shelves now | Published October 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Madeleine Marr

Jan 18, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) acknowledges the crowd after the end of regulation against Club America at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

NO. 8: INSIDE INTER MIAMI: UNLIKELY HERO IN PKS, MESSI’S HAIR, GESTURE TO MEXICAN FANS AND MORE

Inside Inter Miami discusses the club’s PK win over Club America in coach Javier Mascherano’s debut plus Santi Morales’ winner, Lionel Messi’s gesture to fans and more. | Published January 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Kaufman Andre Fernandez

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.