In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Lionel Messi scored an incredible 11-minute hat trick, leading Inter Miami to a commanding 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This victory enabled Inter Miami to set a new Major League Soccer (MLS) record for the most points in a single season, finishing with 74 points in 34 games, comprising 22 wins, 4 losses, and 8 draws. The previous record of 73 points was held by the Revolution in 2021.
The match took a dramatic turn early on, with Inter Miami falling behind 2-0 within the first 34 minutes. However, Luis Suárez quickly turned the tide, scoring two goals in a mere four minutes, which sparked a remarkable comeback and kept Miami’s hopes alive for the record-breaking achievement.
Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, made a significant impact after coming off the bench in the second half. Just one minute after his substitution, he assisted Benjamin Cremaschi, who scored the goal that put Miami ahead for the first time in the 58th minute. Messi then took center stage, netting his first hat trick for Inter Miami starting in the 78th minute. With this performance, he also became the club’s all-time leading scorer with a total of 33 goals.
Inter Miami’s historic night was further underscored by the achievement of having multiple players score at least 20 goals in a season. Both Messi and Suárez finished the season with 20 goals each, positioning them as strong contenders for the Golden Boot, although they trail D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, who scored 23 goals. Notably, Messi leads the league in total goal contributions, with a staggering 36 goals and assists across just 19 games.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, commended Messi’s leadership and the team’s resilience during challenging times. “Our captain has led us, the players have led us in times where it was difficult,” Beckham stated. “But now, tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we prepare for Friday and the playoffs. As my partner and friend Jorge Mas said, this was always about creating history for Miami. This was always about family, la familia, our people in this stadium. Tonight, it’s about you guys because you supported us through the tough times and you’re supporting us through the good times.”
Messi’s hat trick marked a triumphant return following an ankle ligament injury sustained during the Copa América final on July 14. Since his recovery, he has displayed his exceptional skills, scoring hat tricks in back-to-back games, including a recent treble for Argentina in their World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia.
Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino discussed the importance of carefully managing Messi’s recovery and reintegration into the squad. “After the major injury he had in the Copa América, we had to be very careful in his recovery and in his insertion into the team,” Martino explained to reporters. “It seems to me that both the Argentine team and us here were very careful with that issue and we ended up nourishing each other. I think the game with Columbus was very important, especially in the second half, with Leo being very involved in what happened in that game. And obviously, we also drew nourishment from this last match with Bolivia, where he already seemed much looser and much more rhythmic.”
The match was a night of celebration for Inter Miami. Following the final whistle, the team was awarded the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, having clinched the title for the best regular-season record in MLS for the first time earlier this month. This trophy signifies a pivotal milestone for the club, which has been establishing its presence in American soccer since debuting as an expansion team in 2020.
Inter Miami previously secured the inaugural MLS vs. Liga MX Leagues Cup trophy shortly after Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023, further highlighting the superstar’s impact on the franchise.
In a significant announcement following the match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that Inter Miami would participate in the 2025 Club World Cup, also hosting the tournament’s opening game at Hard Rock Stadium. This announcement adds to the excitement surrounding the team as they prepare for the playoffs.
As the MLS playoffs approach, Inter Miami now enjoys home-field advantage, with their first postseason match set for Friday against the winner of the Eastern Conference wild-card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United. Beckham emphasized the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead, stating, “Let’s get ready for the playoffs.”
With Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami has captured the imagination of soccer fans across the United States, and their historic achievements this season have thrust them into the national spotlight. The team’s ability to perform under pressure, coupled with the brilliance of their captain, has positioned them as formidable contenders in the upcoming playoffs. As they celebrate this momentous achievement, anticipation for what lies ahead continues to build, making Inter Miami a club to watch in the world of soccer.