Messi Magic: Inter Miami Crowned MLS Champions as they Break League Records
In a thrilling 6-2 win over New England Revolution, Inter Miami, led by the unstoppable force that is Lionel Messi, pushed their way into the history books, securing the most points in a single season with a whopping 74 points in 34 games. This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record set by the Revolution in 2021, and cemented Inter Miami’s position as a force to be reckoned with in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Messi, who only returned to action last month after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in the Copa America final, proved himself to be the difference-maker on the pitch. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored a staggering 11-minute hat-trick, including four goals in the final 20 minutes of the game, to lead Inter Miami to victory. This treble took Messi’s tally to 33 goals in his first season with Inter Miami, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer.
But it wasn’t just Messi who shone on Saturday. Luis Suárez also chipped in with a impressive two goals in under four minutes, keeping the pressure on New England and setting the stage for Messi’s heroics. The duo’s combined 20 goals this season has them in the running for the Golden Boot, with D.C. United’s Christian Benteke leading the pack with 23 goals.
"This team has led us through difficult times, and now we celebrate," said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. "We’ve been building towards this moment, and now we’re reaping the rewards. We have to prepare for the playoffs now, but for now, we can bask in the glory of becoming the most successful team in the league."
Inter Miami’s comfort in front of goal was only matched by their determination to make a lasting impression on the league. They became the first team in MLS history to have multiple players score 20 goals or more in a season. With their impressive statistics, Inter Miami will be looking to continue their momentum as they enter the playoffs, which kick off on Friday against the winner of the Eastern Conference wild-card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United.
As for Messi, his incredible form shows no signs of slowing down. He opened the scoring with a mesmerizing goal, then turned provider to set up Benjamín Cremaschi for Miami’s third. His hat-trick capped off an unforgettable afternoon, and cemented his position as one of the greatest players in the world.
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[figcaption]Photo Credit: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky[/figcaption]