At Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Inter Miami defeated the New England Revolution 6-2 on Saturday, breaking the Major League Soccer record for most points in a single season thanks to a spectacular 11-minute hat trick by Lionel Messi.
With 74 points from 34 games and a 22-4-8 (W-L-D) record at the end of the MLS regular season, Miami almost edged out the Revolution's 2021 record of 73 points.
Luis Suárez scored twice in less than four minutes to keep the chase for the points record alive, helping Inter Miami come back from a two-goal deficit after 34 minutes.
However, Inter Miami's name was appropriately established in league history by captain Messi. In the 58th minute, only one minute after entering the game, he assisted in setting up Benjamin Cremaschi to give Miami the lead.
After that, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner grabbed centre stage, scoring his first hat trick for Miami in the 78th minute and became the team's all-time top scorer with 33 goals.
However, Inter Miami's name was appropriately established in league history by captain Messi. In the 58th minute, only one minute after entering the game, he assisted in setting up Benjamin Cremaschi to give Miami the lead.
After that, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner grabbed centre stage, scoring his first hat trick for Miami in the 78th minute and became the team's all-time top scorer with 33 goals.
Additionally, Miami became the first team in Major League Soccer history to have more than 20 goals scored by a single player in a season.
Messi and Suárez each have 20 goals, which will place them second in the Golden Boot competition behind Christian Benteke of D.C. United, who has 23 goals. However, with a total of 36 goals and assists in just 19 games, Messi leads the league in goal contributions.
Messi and Suárez each have 20 goals, which will place them second in the Golden Boot competition behind Christian Benteke of D.C. United, who has 23 goals. However, with a total of 36 goals and assists in just 19 games, Messi leads the league in goal contributions.
David Beckham, a co-owner of Inter Miami, stated, "Our captain has led us, the players have led us in times where it was difficult." "But we're celebrating tonight. We get ready for Friday and the playoffs tomorrow.
"As my buddy and associate Jorge Mas said, this was always about creating history for Miami. In this stadium, it was always about family, la familia, and our people. You people are the reason it's about you tonight because you helped us through the good times and the bad."
"As my buddy and associate Jorge Mas said, this was always about creating history for Miami. In this stadium, it was always about family, la familia, and our people. You people are the reason it's about you tonight because you helped us through the good times and the bad."
After suffering an ankle ligament injury at the Copa América final on July 14, Messi didn't play again until last month. However, after his treble in Argentina's World Cup qualification victory against Bolivia on Tuesday, he now has hat tricks in back-to-back games.
Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino told reporters, "We had to be very careful in his recovery and in his insertion into the team after the major injury he had in the Copa América." And it appears to me that we here and the Argentine team handled the matter with extreme caution, ultimately supporting one another.
Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino told reporters, "We had to be very careful in his recovery and in his insertion into the team after the major injury he had in the Copa América." And it appears to me that we here and the Argentine team handled the matter with extreme caution, ultimately supporting one another.
"I believe that the match against Columbus was crucial, particularly the second half, in which Leo played a significant role. Naturally, we also took inspiration from his most recent game against Bolivia, in which he appeared to be lot more relaxed and in sync. And tonight, of course, I believe the pass to Jordi Alba [for Miami's third goal] is the first ball he touches, so it feels like we're in a great position right now."
Miami was celebrating that evening. Earlier this month, the team won the MLS title for best regular-season record for the first time, and after the final whistle, they were given the 2024 Supporters' Shield. Miami won the trophy for the first time since making their MLS debut as an expansion team in 2020.
Shortly after Messi's arrival in the summer of 2023, Inter Miami had already won the first MLS vs. Liga MX Leagues Cup trophy.
Following the victory on Saturday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that Miami would participate in the 2025 Club World Cup and host the first game of the expanded 32-team competition at Hard Rock Stadium.
Shortly after Messi's arrival in the summer of 2023, Inter Miami had already won the first MLS vs. Liga MX Leagues Cup trophy.
Following the victory on Saturday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that Miami would participate in the 2025 Club World Cup and host the first game of the expanded 32-team competition at Hard Rock Stadium.
Inter Miami will now enjoy home-field advantage throughout the MLS playoffs, which is more immediate. The squad will play the Eastern Conference wild-card winner between CF Montreal and Atlanta United on Friday to begin the postseason.
Beckham stated, "Let's prepare for the playoffs."
Beckham stated, "Let's prepare for the playoffs."
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