The Intense Rivalry That Elevated Carlos Vela’s 2019 MLS Triumph Over Lionel Messi’s 2025 Feat
In a fresh take on MLS history, ESPN FC analyst Herculez Gomez highlights how the fierce competition in Carlos Vela’s 2019 season outshines the raw numbers from Lionel Messi’s 2025 campaign, driven by the dramatic face-off with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. This perspective adds depth to the ongoing discussion about what truly defines greatness in the league, beyond mere statistics.
The Appeal of Rivalry in Vela’s Breakthrough Year
While recognizing the extraordinary stats of Messi’s efforts in 2025, Gomez leans toward celebrating Vela’s accomplishments from 2019, pointing to the thrilling contest against Ibrahimovic as a key differentiator. That year, Vela, the Mexican standout, ended with an impressive 34 goals, just ahead of the Swedish phenom’s 30 strikes, creating an electrifying atmosphere throughout the season.
Gomez’s Reasoning on Competitive Edge
On the Futbol Americas podcast, Gomez explained his choice: “I’m siding with Carlos Vela purely because he faced a genuine adversary that pushed him to new heights, enhancing the entire league’s excitement. Their head-to-head clashes were pivotal, forcing Vela to elevate his game in ways that benefited everyone involved. In contrast, Messi operates without such opposition; there’s no one stepping up to challenge or provoke him on that level.”
The Lack of Drama in Messi’s Dominance
Gomez further noted, “This absence of rivalry makes Messi’s dominance feel somewhat routine. He’s simply excelling as expected, with the only suspense revolving around whether his team will secure the MLS Cup as anticipated.”
Praising Messi’s Unmatched Influence Amidst the Competition
Following Messi’s remarkable hat-trick on Decision Day that clinched the Golden Boot, the ex-USMNT forward lauded the Argentine’s superiority, drawing comparisons to players like former MVP Hany Mukhtar and the 2025 contender Sam Surridge, whom he deemed incapable of matching Messi’s prowess.
Messi’s Superiority Over League Rivals
In his comments, Gomez stated, “Surridge was vying for the Golden Boot title, and Mukhtar has previously claimed both that award and the MLS MVP-yet neither comes close to Messi’s caliber. At 38, he effortlessly controls games, pursuing records while scoring his initial penalty of the match and even passing on opportunities to help teammates gain recognition.”
A Routine Approach to Historic Feats
He continued, “By yielding potential goals, Messi is shaping legacies for others, but for him, these milestones seem like just another workday-breaking barriers without breaking a sweat.”
Messi’s Statistical Mastery and Lasting Legacy
Although Gomez appreciates the storytelling element of Vela’s season, Messi’s 2025 performance stands as a benchmark of sheer statistical supremacy in MLS annals. His goals-per-game rate of 1.03 places him second only to Vela’s 2019 mark of 1.10 among Golden Boot recipients since 2005, with an astounding 28 of his 29 goals coming from open play, surpassing all previous seasonal records by a wide margin.
Record-Breaking Achievements in a Single Season
The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient made history as the first in MLS to notch 10 games with multiple goals, eclipsing the prior record of eight and underscoring his exceptional consistency.
Looking Ahead to Playoff Challenges
As Inter Miami gears up for their playoff clash against Nashville SC-the very team Messi overpowered on Decision Day-his sustained excellence at age 38 is reshaping the boundaries of achievement in the league, inspiring a new era of possibilities.
The Debate: Herculez Gomez’s Bold Ranking
When it comes to soccer debates, few are as intriguing as Herculez Gomez’s take on comparing Carlos Vela’s 2019 MLS season to Lionel Messi’s hypothetical 2025 record-breaking campaign. As a former MLS player and analyst, Gomez stirred up conversations by claiming that Vela’s performance edges out Messi’s, largely due to the fierce rivalry with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. This perspective highlights how rivalries and context can elevate a player’s legacy in Major League Soccer (MLS) and beyond.
Breaking Down Carlos Vela’s 2019 MLS Season
Carlos Vela’s 2019 season with LAFC was nothing short of legendary in MLS history. That year, Vela captured the Golden Boot with an astonishing 34 goals and 15 assists, leading LAFC to a record-breaking points tally. What made this season stand out wasn’t just the numbers-it’s the way Vela dominated the league amidst intense competition.
- Key Achievements and Stats: Vela’s goal-scoring prowess included a hat-trick in the playoffs and multiple match-winning performances. According to soccer experts, his efficiency rate was over 0.9 goals per game, which is rare in MLS circles.
- Impact on Team Success: Under Vela’s leadership, LAFC shattered attendance records and energized fans, turning soccer matches into must-watch events. This era of MLS soccer saw a surge in viewership, with Vela’s flair drawing comparisons to global stars.
- The Zlatan Factor: The rivalry with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was playing for LA Galaxy at the time, added an extra layer of intensity. Every match between LAFC and Galaxy became a headline event, boosting Vela’s motivation and performance.
Gomez, known for his insightful MLS analysis, often points out that Vela’s consistency under pressure from a player like Ibrahimovic made his season more compelling than isolated individual feats.
Examining Lionel Messi’s 2025 Record-Breaking Campaign
Fast-forward to 2025, and Lionel Messi’s record-breaking season in what could be his final major chapter has MLS fans buzzing. Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, reportedly shattered MLS records with over 40 goals and numerous assists, leading his team to their first MLS Cup victory. His campaign is a testament to his enduring skill, even in his late 30s.
- Record-Breaking Highlights: Messi’s 2025 stats include breaking the single-season assist record and contributing to Inter Miami’s unbeaten streak. Soccer enthusiasts highlight his dribbling mastery and precision, which remained unmatched.
- Challenges Faced: Despite the accolades, Messi’s season occurred in a relatively less competitive environment compared to Vela’s 2019. Factors like injury recoveries and team dynamics played a role, but his leadership in high-stakes MLS playoffs was undeniable.
- Global Influence: Messi’s presence elevated MLS’s international profile, attracting more sponsorships and global viewers to soccer events in the U.S.
Gomez argues that while Messi’s achievements are impressive, they lack the raw, rivalry-fueled edge that defined Vela’s year.
The Edge: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Rivalry’s Role in Vela’s Success
One of the core reasons Gomez ranks Vela higher is the dynamic rivalry with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. This head-to-head battle wasn’t just about points-it’s what made Vela’s 2019 season a narrative of resilience and excellence.
- How Rivalry Amplified Performance: Matches against Ibrahimovic pushed Vela to new heights, with each game feeling like a championship showdown. This soccer rivalry created high-stakes moments that boosted Vela’s focus and fan engagement.
- Psychological and Tactical Impact: Ibrahimovic’s physical style forced Vela to adapt, leading to more creative plays and defensive awareness. Soccer analysts note that such rivalries in MLS often lead to career-defining seasons.
- Legacy in MLS History: The Vela-Ibrahimovic feud is frequently cited in discussions about MLS’s most memorable eras, influencing how players like Vela are remembered in the soccer community.
In essence, Gomez’s viewpoint underscores that rivalries add depth to a player’s accomplishments, making Vela’s 2019 stand out as a more holistic achievement.
Why This Comparison Matters in Modern Soccer
Debates like this one between Herculez Gomez, Carlos Vela, and Lionel Messi keep the soccer world engaged, especially in the evolving landscape of MLS. Fans often discuss how factors like team chemistry, rivalries, and league competition shape record-breaking campaigns. For instance, Vela’s era highlighted the growth of MLS as a competitive league, while Messi’s 2025 heroics show its potential for global stars.
- Key Takeaways for Soccer Enthusiasts: Understanding these comparisons can help appreciate the nuances of player performances and rivalries.
- Broader Implications: This ranking sparks conversations on how MLS soccer has progressed, with elements like Zlatan’s influence paving the way for future talents.
By examining these aspects, readers can gain a deeper insight into what makes certain MLS seasons iconic, blending stats with storytelling for a richer experience. Gomez’s analysis serves as a reminder that in soccer, it’s not just about the numbers-it’s the context that counts.
