In an exhilarating match that showcased the brilliance of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami triumphed over the New England Revolution with a decisive 6-2 victory at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This stunning performance not only solidified the team’s place in Major League Soccer history, as they shattered the record for the most points accumulated in a single regular season but also demonstrated the sheer talent of Messi, who contributed a breathtaking hat trick in just 11 minutes after entering the game from the bench.
With this victory, Inter Miami capped off its season boasting an impressive 74 points from 34 matches, surpassing the previous record of 73 points held by the Revolution from 2021. Their season record stood at 22 wins, 4 losses, and 8 draws, setting a new benchmark in the league that highlights the efficacy and cohesion of the team under pressure.
The match saw Miami start off on the backfoot, trailing two goals to the Revolution within the first 34 minutes. Luis Suárez, a key player in the squad, emerged as the catalyst for the comeback, netting two goals within a span of four minutes to shift the momentum back in favor of Miami. This pivotal moment showcased the resilience the team has developed throughout the season—characteristics that are particularly important in the high-stakes environment of professional soccer.
After Suárez’s dual strikes, it was Benjamin Cremaschi who found the back of the net to give Miami a crucial lead just before the hour mark. The stage was set for Messi, who made a dramatic entrance into the match. After taking the field in the 55th minute, Messi wasted no time asserting his dominance. His calculated maneuvers and sharp instincts culminated in a hat trick that not only sealed the team’s victory but also underscored his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Finishing the regular season with 20 goals each, both Messi and Suárez have been instrumental in Miami’s phenomenal rise this year. Their individual and collective performances—accounting for 40 of the team’s 79 goals this season—are a testament to their synergy on the field. Moreover, this partnership has left an indelible mark on the league, propelling both players to the forefront of the MVP conversation.
While Messi trails D.C. United’s Christian Benteke in the Golden Boot race, he leads the league in total goal contributions with an astonishing combined 36 goals and assists over just 19 matches. Such statistics highlight not only his scoring prowess but also his ability to create opportunities for his teammates, further emphasizing his vital role in Inter Miami’s offensive strategies.
As the team embarks on its playoff journey following the clinching of the Supporters’ Shield—a major achievement for an expansion club established in 2020—Inter Miami is poised for a deep postseason run. With home-field advantage secured, they are set to face the winner of the Eastern Conference Wild Card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United on October 25. With Messi and Suárez in top form, the team’s prospects look exceedingly bright as they chase further glory in the 2024 MLS playoffs.
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