Messi Shatters Records with Hat-Trick as Inter Miami Clinches Historic MLS Points Total

Lionel Messi made history on Saturday night, leading Inter Miami to a commanding 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution in their final regular season match. This triumph not only showcased Miami’s remarkable resilience but also crowned Messi as the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, further solidifying his legacy in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Miami found themselves in a challenging position early in the match, falling behind by two goals in the first half as New England’s Luca Langoni and Dylan Borrero struck early. However, the tide turned dramatically as the team rallied to score six unanswered goals, much to the delight of the home crowd at Chase Stadium.

Messi entered the game as a substitute in the second half and wasted no time making his presence felt. He delivered a stunning hat-trick within just 11 minutes, scoring three goals between the 78th and 89th minutes. With this performance, the 37-year-old superstar surpassed teammate Leonardo Campana, setting a new club record with 33 goals.

“This is a boost of confidence for the entire team,” said Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino after the match. “We didn’t set out to reach 74 points at the start of the season, but as it became a possibility, we aimed for it and achieved it. It’s a collective triumph for everyone involved with Inter Miami.”

The victory marked Miami’s 22nd win of the season, elevating their total points to 74, breaking the previous MLS record of 73 set by the Revolution in 2021. Following the match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that Miami’s outstanding performance had secured them a place in the revamped Club World Cup in 2025, which will be hosted in the U.S.

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, New England put up a spirited fight in the first half. However, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suárez, ignited Miami’s comeback by scoring twice just before halftime, leveling the match at 2-2.

Once Messi joined the fray, Miami’s fortunes changed dramatically. The Argentine maestro played a crucial role in the play that led to the team’s third goal, linking up with former Barça teammate Jordi Alba. Alba’s pinpoint pass found young standout Benjamin Cremaschi in the box, who netted the go-ahead goal.

Messi then took control of the game. His first goal came from a powerful strike from outside the box, sending a shockwave through the stadium. Just two minutes later, he doubled his tally with a deft close-range finish. Finally, he capped off his hat-trick with another excellent team goal, assisted by Suárez, bringing the match to a thrilling conclusion.

With the regular season wrapped up, Inter Miami is set to face the winner of the Eastern Conference Wild Card match between CF Montréal and Atlanta United in the first game of a best-of-three playoff series. As they aim for their first MLS Cup title in franchise history, Messi’s extraordinary contributions will undoubtedly be pivotal.

The win against New England not only highlighted Miami’s explosive offensive potential but also showcased the team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity. As they prepare for the postseason, the combination of Messi’s skill, Suárez’s experience, and a strong supporting cast positions Miami as a formidable contender in the upcoming playoffs.

Fans eagerly await the playoff opener, hoping to witness more of Messi’s magic on the field as Inter Miami seeks to claim its first-ever MLS Cup. The excitement around the club continues to build, driven by their record-breaking season and the promise of even greater achievements to come.