Messi Magic: Inter Miami Breaks MLS Records as Messi Nabs Hat-Trick, Golden Boot
October 19, 2024, 09:46 PM ET
In a thrilling match at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Inter Miami made history as Lionel Messi delivered an extraordinary 11-minute hat-trick, leading his team to a 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution. This incredible win secured Inter Miami’s place in the record books, breaking the MLS mark for most points in a single season.
With 74 points from their 34 matches, Inter Miami surpassed the previous record set by the New England Revolution in 2021. This achievement is all the more impressive considering the team’s 22-4-8 (W-L-D) record, showcasing their consistent form throughout the season.
The match was an affair of two halves, with the Revolution taking an early lead before Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez leveled the scores with a double in under four minutes. However, it was Messi who stole the show, arriving on the pitch in the 77th minute and sealing the win with his three goals. The Argentine maestro also broke the club’s all-time goalscoring record, notching his 33rd goal in the process.
This impressive display cemented Inter Miami’s place in history, as the first team to have multiple players score 20 goals or more in a season. With 20 goals apiece, Messi and Suárez are now set to finish second in the Golden Boot race behind D.C. United’s Christian Benteke (23 goals). Messi, however, leads the league in total goal contributions, with a combined 36 goals and assists in 19 games.
In the post-match celebrations, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham praised the team’s determination: "Our captain has led us, the players have led us in times where it was difficult. But now, tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we prepare for Friday and the playoffs."
With this win, Inter Miami became the first team to have multiple players score 20 goals or more in a season, a feat that cements their position as one of the most potent offenses in the league.
The win also came on the back of a remarkable stretch for Messi, who has now scored hat-tricks in back-to-back games. After undergoing an ankle ligament injury in the Copa América final, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has worked tirelessly to regain his form.
What’s next for Inter Miami? They will now face the winner of the Eastern Conference wild-card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United in the MLS playoffs, with home-field advantage on their side. As Beckham quipped, "Let’s get ready for the playoffs."
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