Messi Magic: Inter Miami Shatter MLS Record with 6-2 Thrilling Win
Inter Miami pipped New England Revolution 6-2 in their final game of the regular season, setting a new MLS record in the process. And who else but Lionel Messi to lead the charge, bagging his second hat-trick of the week!
Messi, who came off the bench in the 58th minute, extended his incredible streak in MLS, now boasting an impressive 20 goals in 19 appearances. Luis Suarez also got in on the act, scoring twice as the Uruguayan forward reached 20 goals in his 27 games.
But let’s be real, this was all about Messi. The Argentine maestro made his presence felt, capping off an 11-minute spell with a trio of goals. First, he set up Jordi Alba to slot home for the opener, then he snatched a stunning goal, showing off his exceptional footwork, before completing his hat-trick in the 89th minute.
Messi’s goals came hot on the heels of his 12-minute hat-trick for Argentina against Bolivia, solidifying his status as the most in-form player in the world. "After the major injury, we had to be very careful with his recovery," gushed Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino. "I have the feeling that we have him in an ideal situation to face the most important part of the year."
Inter Miami’s 74 points shatter the previous record set by New England in 2021. While the team had already secured the Supporters’ Shield, they’ll be looking to go one better in the MLS Cup playoffs, which kick off next week.
But for now, the focus is on celebrating the record-breaking performance. Co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas were joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the post-game celebration, which doubled as a platform to announce Inter Miami’s qualification for the 2025 Club World Cup.
Elsewhere, Montreal secured a spot in the playoffs with a 2-0 victory over New York City, setting up a wild-card tie with Atlanta United. Atlanta, meanwhile, secured the final Eastern Conference spot with a 2-1 win over Orlando City.
And that’s a wrap on the regular season! Stay tuned for more updates from the world of MLS. Follow us on all social media platforms for the latest news, analysis, and opinions!