Engine is slowly heating up — Messi keeps getting better ahead of the start of the World Cup

The sports world is eagerly counting down the days until the spectacle — only 24 remain — and Lionel Messi, match after match, is sending a clear message to his rivals that the Argentine machine is still running perfectly at the age of 39. Inter Miami’s 2–0 victory over the Portland Timbers was another masterful performance from a man who, in his trademark style, raises the intensity exactly when it matters most.

Messi no longer wastes energy unnecessarily, but with surgically precise moves he continues to make the decisive difference on the pitch. His hunger for victories remains unquestionable, and his form is being timed perfectly.

That composure in front of goal is still his greatest weapon was proven by Messi in the 30th minute. After a quick and fluid combination with Luis Suarez and Segovia, he escaped Portland’s defense and found the net with his trademark left foot.

The goal was Messi’s 910th of his career and his 12th in 13 MLS matches this season. A brutal statistic confirming that he remains coach Mascherano’s main weapon. That he is not only warming up through goals, Messi showed just before halftime.

After slicing through and completely dismantling Portland’s entire defense, he unselfishly set up German Berterame for an easy finish and a commanding 2–0 lead. It was Messi’s fifth league assist of 2026.

One goal, one assist, and a routine slowing of the tempo in the second half — the ideal scenario for preserving freshness and strength. The engines are running, the operating temperature is at its maximum, and a Messi playing like this guarantees that this summer we are in for truly explosive football.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami currently sits second in the Eastern Conference standings, two points behind leaders Nashville while having played one more match. They are also three points ahead of third-placed New England Revolution, again with one extra game played. Before the World Cup, Inter Miami will play only one more match — in seven days against the Philadelphia Union at home. After that, a two-month MLS break follows.