In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Lionel Messi completed an extraordinary hat trick within a mere 11 minutes, propelling Inter Miami to a remarkable 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution. This scintillating win at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, not only showcased Messi’s legendary abilities but also solidified Inter Miami’s place in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. With a total of 74 points accrued over the course of 34 matches—boasting a record of 22 wins, 4 losses, and 8 draws—Inter Miami outperformed the previous record of 73 points set by the Revolution in 2021.
The game turned into a delightful drama, particularly as Inter Miami initially found themselves down by two goals just 34 minutes in. The team’s resilience was tested, but Luis Suárez stepped in to spark a vital comeback. His two goals scored within a four-minute span injected life back into Miami’s performance and kept alive the hopes of surpassing their points record. Benjamin Cremaschi further enhanced this revival, netting a goal in the 58th minute and marking Miami’s first lead of the night. However, it was Messi, entering the game as a substitute, who became the star of the show, decisively clinching the record-breaking victory with his rapid-fire goals.
Messi’s hat trick, which he secured just after being introduced to the game in the 55th minute, reflected not only his skill but also his strategic impact as a player. Ending the regular season with 20 goals, he shared the second spot behind D.C. United’s Christian Benteke in the Golden Boot race, yet he outshines others in total contributions. With a staggering 36 combined goals and assists in just 19 matches, Messi continues to affirm his status as one of the greatest players in soccer history.
The match against New England was particularly significant for Inter Miami, as it marked the team’s first clinching of the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, a historic achievement for the franchise since its inception as an expansion team in 2020. The victory is not just a testament to Messi’s influence but also highlights the overall growth of the squad, having secured their first piece of MLS silverware with the recent Leagues Cup win. The playoff season ahead is poised to be thrilling, especially since Miami will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Their playoff journey begins on October 25, pitting them against the winner of the Wild Card matchup between CF Montreal and Atlanta United.
The partnership between Messi and Suárez has undeniably been a game-changer for Inter Miami. Their scoring prowess has accounted for a staggering 40 of the team’s 79 goals this season, reinforcing their status as the key components of the squad. The duo’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, each receiving a nomination for the 2024 MLS MVP award—a reflection of their impact on the team and the league overall. As the playoffs approach, fans eagerly anticipate how this dynamic partnership will continue to unfold, with the potential to write new chapters in MLS history.
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