Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi etched his name into club history with a stunning performance that helped the team reach new heights. On the final day of regular season action, Miami overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a 6-2 victory against the New England Revolution, setting multiple records.
A Comeback for the Ages
Inter Miami thrilled fans at Chase Stadium with a sensational comeback. Trailing 2-0 after goals from Luca Langoni and Dylan Borrero, the home side quickly responded. Luis Suárez stepped up with two goals just before halftime, bringing the game level at 2-2. “Suárez gave us the spark we needed,” noted Miami coach Gerardo Martino. “His ability to turn the tide with back-to-back goals lifted the entire team.”
Messi’s Historic Hat Trick
The introduction of Lionel Messi in the second half turned the tide firmly in Miami’s favor. The superstar forward netted a hat-trick in 11 minutes, scoring thrice between the 78th and 89th minute. “It’s the triumph of everyone,” Martino said, emphasizing the collective effort. “These 74 points weren’t planned, but we tried to achieve it as it became within reach.”
Messi’s three goals brought his total to 33, making him the all-time leading goal scorer in Miami’s short history. He surpassed Leonardo Campana’s record of 32 goals with this outstanding performance.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
The victory marked Miami’s 22nd of the season, pushing their point total to 74 and breaking the MLS record of 73 points set by the New England Revolution in 2021. Martino praised the team’s resilience, stating, “It’s a boost of confidence for the whole team.”
With their record-setting season, Miami also celebrated its first-ever Supporters’ Shield win, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.
Looking Forward: A Shot at Glory
Following the game, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Inter Miami earned a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup, to be hosted by the US. The team is now preparing for the MLS playoffs, where it will face the Eastern Conference Wild Card match winner between CF Montréal and Atlanta United.
“This is only the beginning,” Martino remarked. “We’re ready to fight for our first MLS Cup title.”
Miami’s exceptional season positions them as serious contenders for the championship, with Messi leading the charge. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in what promises to be a historic postseason run.
