Lionel Messi's hat-trick propels Inter Miami to MLS points record

Despite not starting the match, Messi made an immediate impact after coming off the bench in the 58th minute. He assisted on Benjamin Cremaschi’s opening goal just seconds after entering the game. Miami’s captain then went on to score the final three goals of the match, leading his team to a remarkable comeback after trailing 2-0 through 39 minutes.

Miami (22-4-8, 74 points) broke the old mark of 73 points, set by the 2021 Revolution squad. With the points record and the Supporters’ Shield clinched, the Herons now look to finish the story by capturing the MLS Cup.

“Our captain has led us, the players have led us in times where it was difficult,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said. “But now, tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we prepare for Friday and the play-offs.”

Luis Suarez had two goals and two assists, with both strikes coming within a four-minute span in the first half.

Both Messi and Suarez finished their first full MLS seasons with 20 goals apiece. Messi also had 16 assists in his 19 regular-season matches, while Suarez contributed nine assists in 27 matches.

Said Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino of Messi: “After the major injury he had in the Copa América, we had to be very careful in his recovery and in his insertion into the team.

“And it seems to me that both the Argentinian team and us here were very careful with that issue and we ended up nourishing each other.”

Luca Langoni and Dylan Borrero scored for the Revolution, whose disappointing season ended on a four-match losing streak. New England (9-21-4, 31 points) finished 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference.

Miami’s first play-off match is on Oct 25 against the winner of the Eastern Conference wild-card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United.

In more good news for Miami, Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced on Oct 20 that they will feature in the expanded 2025 Club World Cup.

Messi and his teammates will kick off the tournament in the opening game at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the National Football League’s Miami Dolphins, on June 15, Infantino added.

The Fifa president was speaking on the field at Chase Stadium moments after their win over New England.