In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Lionel Messi ignited the pitch as Inter Miami faced off against the New England Revolution, leading his team to a commanding 6-2 victory. This clash, hosted at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was not just another regular-season game; it marked a historic moment for the franchise as they broke the Major League Soccer (MLS) record for the most points amassed in a single season. With this win, Miami closed out the regular season with an impressive 74 points, eclipsing the previous record of 73 points set by the Revolution in 2021.
The match began ominously for Miami, falling behind by two goals within the first half. However, this setback only fueled their resolve. Luis Suárez emerged as a key figure in the comeback, netting two quick goals within a span of four minutes, sparking the team’s resurgence. By the 58th minute, young talent Benjamin Cremaschi’s decisive goal flipped the scoreline, driving Miami ahead for the first time. Yet, it was Messi’s unparalleled talent that ultimately sealed the victory, as he came off the bench and scored three sensational goals in just 11 minutes—an iconic hat trick that would be etched in MLS history.
This hat trick marked Messi’s first in the MLS and solidified his legendary status in American soccer. At the conclusion of the season, both he and Suárez boasted 20 goals each, with Messi leading the league in total goal contributions—36 combined goals and assists in just 19 games. Though they are in contention for the Golden Boot, with D.C. United’s Christian Benteke likely taking the crown, the accolades surrounding Messi’s contributions cannot be overstated. His influence was profound, transforming Miami into a formidable force throughout the season.
Inter Miami’s accomplishments did not stop at point records; they previously celebrated lifting the inaugural MLS vs. Liga MX Leagues Cup soon after Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023. With the 2024 Supporters’ Shield now in their cabinet—the first for the franchise since its inception in 2020—Miami is positioned not only as a playoff contender but also as a team that has rejuvenated the excitement around soccer in the United States.
Riding the Wave into Playoffs
As Miami gears up for the upcoming playoffs, they will enjoy home-field advantage, setting the stage for potentially thrilling postseason matches. Their first matchup will take place on October 25 against the winner of the Eastern Conference Wild Card battle between CF Montreal and Atlanta United. With Messi and Suárez at the forefront, both players have played a pivotal role in propelling the team forward, contributing a staggering 40 out of 79 total goals during the regular season. Their collective efforts have earned them nominations for the coveted 2024 MLS MVP award.
The story of Inter Miami’s remarkable rise and Messi’s stunning contributions will not only captivate fans but also inspire a new generation of soccer players as they prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating postseason.
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