Inter Miami's remaining schedule is challenging, featuring tough opponents like Seattle, D.C. United, and Nashville, with each game being vital for playoff positioning and Messi's quest for the scoring record.

The upcoming match against Seattle is especially critical, serving as a potential turning point for both Miami's season and Messi's pursuit of the MLS scoring record.

Coach Javier Mascherano defended Messi after a recent loss, emphasizing that the responsibility for poor results lies with him and urging the team to focus on upcoming matches.

Recent setbacks, including a 3-0 loss to Charlotte FC in which Messi missed a penalty, have increased pressure on his goal chase and affected Inter Miami's league standing.

Nashville's Sam Surridge leads the Golden Boot race with 21 goals, closely followed by Messi, but missed opportunities continue to add pressure on Messi to perform.

Messi has recently recovered from injury and highlighted the importance of managing his fitness to contribute effectively in the final matches.

With 19 goals so far, Messi needs to score nearly two goals per game to tie the record, a pace that is challenging given his current scoring rate of roughly one goal every 89 minutes.

Messi is aiming to break the MLS single-season goal record, requiring 15 more goals in the remaining eight matches to surpass Carlos Vela's 34-goal record set in 2019.

Winning the MLS Cup remains a major goal for Messi and Inter Miami, which would cement Messi's legacy in North American soccer regardless of whether he breaks the scoring record.