Lionel Messi hat trick helps Inter Miami break MLS points record

Lionel Messi scored a surprising 11-minute hat trick to assist Inter Miami break the Main League Soccer report for many factors in a single season, after defeating the New England Revolution 6-2 Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Miami concluded the MLS common season with 74 factors in 34 video games and a 22-4-8 (W-L-D) report, narrowly besting the Revolution’s 2021 mark of 73 factors.

Luis Suárez propelled Inter Miami to rally from two objectives down after 34 minutes, scoring twice in beneath 4 minutes to maintain alive the chase for the factors report.

But it surely was captain Messi who fittingly cemented Inter Miami’s identify in league historical past. Only one minute after approaching he helped arrange Benjamin Cremaschi to place Miami forward for the primary time within the 58th minute.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then took middle stage himself, beginning within the 78th minute, to attain his first hat trick for Miami and within the course of develop into the membership’s all-time main scorer with 33 objectives.

Miami additionally turned the primary group in MLS historical past to have a number of gamers rating no less than 20 objectives in a season.

With 20 objectives apiece, Messi and Suárez are set to complete second within the Golden Boot race to D.C. United’s Christian Benteke (23 objectives). Messi, although, leads the league in complete purpose contributions with a mixed 36 objectives and assists in solely 19 video games.

“Our captain has led us, the gamers have led us in instances the place it was tough,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham mentioned. “However now, tonight, we rejoice. Tomorrow, we put together for Friday and the playoffs.

“As my associate and buddy Jorge Mas mentioned, this was all the time about creating historical past for Miami. This was all the time about household, la familia, our folks on this stadium. Tonight, it is about you guys since you supported us via the powerful instances and also you’re supporting us via the great instances.”

Messi returned to motion solely final month after after sustaining an ankle ligament harm within the remaining of the Copa América on July 14. However he now has hat methods in back-to-back video games following his treble in Argentina’s World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia on Tuesday.

“After the foremost harm he had within the Copa América, we needed to be very cautious in his restoration and in his insertion into the group,” Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino instructed reporters. “And it appears to me that each the Argentine group and us right here had been very cautious with that challenge and we ended up nourishing one another.

“I believe the sport with Columbus was essential, particularly the second half, with Leo being very concerned in what occurred in that sport. And clearly we additionally drew nourishment from this final match with Bolivia the place he already appeared a lot looser, way more in rhythm. And clearly right this moment, nicely, I believe the primary ball he touches is the go to Jordi Alba [for Miami’s third goal], so right this moment the sensation that we have now it in a really perfect scenario.”

It was an evening of celebration for Miami. The group was awarded the 2024 Supporters’ Defend after the ultimate whistle, having clinched the prize for greatest regular-season report in MLS for the primary time earlier this month. The trophy was Miami’s first piece of MLS silverware since debuting as an growth membership in 2020.

Inter Miami beforehand lifted the inaugural MLS vs. Liga MX Leagues Cup trophy quickly after Messi’s arrival in the summertime of 2023.

After Saturday’s win, FIFA president Gianni Infantino introduced Miami would participate within the 2025 Membership World Cup and host the expanded 32-team match’s opening sport at Exhausting Rock Stadium.

Extra instantly, Inter Miami will now have home-field benefit via the MLS playoffs. The group kicks off the postseason Friday towards the winner of the Jap Convention wild-card match Tuesday between CF Montreal and Atlanta United.

“Let’s prepare for the playoffs,” Beckham mentioned.