In an electrifying display of skill and determination, Lionel Messi showcased why he is regarded as one of the footballing greats by scoring a remarkable hat trick in just 11 minutes, leading Inter Miami to a 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium this past Saturday. This victory not only allowed Miami to secure their place in history but also marked a significant achievement in Major League Soccer (MLS) as they broke the single-season points record, finishing with an impressive tally of 74 points over 34 matches.
From the outset, it seemed like a challenging task for Inter Miami as they found themselves trailing by two goals within the first 34 minutes of play. However, the team’s resolve was unrelenting. Luis Suárez emerged as a key player, rapidly scoring two goals in a matter of minutes to breathe life back into Miami’s hopes. This quick turnaround was pivotal, as it allowed the home side to regain momentum and the confidence to push forward, ultimately leading to Benjamin Cremaschi’s go-ahead goal in the 58th minute.
Messi’s entry onto the field proved to be a game-changer. Coming off the bench in the 55th minute, he was a whirlwind, scoring three consecutive goals that not only sealed the match but solidified Inter Miami’s place atop the MLS records for points in a season. The Argentine superstar’s dynamic presence was palpable as he displayed his characteristic dribbling skills and precision finishing, leaving both fans and opponents in awe. This match marked Messi’s first MLS hat trick, further adding to his legendary status.
This triumph was especially meaningful for Inter Miami, a team that has only been in existence since 2020. Having clinched the 2024 Supporters’ Shield—an accolade that signifies the best regular season performance—Miami is set for a promising playoff run. Notably, they are also on a high after claiming the MLS vs. Liga MX Leagues Cup earlier in the season, a first for the franchise since Messi’s arrival. The team’s offensive prowess was significantly bolstered by the collaborative efforts of Messi and Suárez, who together accounted for nearly half of the team’s total goals.
With the playoffs looming, Inter Miami is poised to leverage its home advantage throughout the tournament. As they await the outcome of the Eastern Conference Wild Card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United, Messi and Suárez’s contributions have not gone unnoticed—they are both in contention for the 2024 MLS MVP award. Their prominent roles in transforming Miami into legitimate title contenders cannot be overstated, and the football world watches with bated breath to see how far this dynamic duo can propel the franchise in the postseason.
As Inter Miami prepares to kick off its playoff journey on October 25, fans are left anticipating how Messi’s exceptional talent will inspire the team to chase further glory in the MLS.
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