Lionel Messi delivered a breathtaking performance for Inter Miami, netting an 11-minute hat trick in a historic 6-2 victory over New England on Saturday night. Entering the game early in the second half, Messi quickly made his mark, scoring three goals and providing an assist in what was his first MLS hat trick. The 37-year-old superstar, who started the match on the bench in preparation for the playoffs, demonstrated his enduring class and brilliance in just over 30 minutes of play.
This victory not only showcased Messi’s talent but also cemented Inter Miami’s dominance in the 2024 MLS season. The team broke the MLS regular-season points record, finishing with 74 points, surpassing the previous record set by New England in 2021. Lionel Messi’s contributions, alongside those of Luis Suarez, who scored twice, propelled Miami to new heights, as they also celebrated their Supporters’ Shield win with their home fans.
David Beckham Celebrates Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s Success with Stirring Speech
Following the monumental victory, co-owner David Beckham addressed the crowd in a heartfelt speech, celebrating the team’s unprecedented success. Beckham highlighted the pivotal role of the players, particularly Messi, in guiding the team through challenging times. “Our captain has led us. Our players have led us in times where it was difficult,” Beckham stated, crediting the squad’s leadership and resilience for their achievements.
The team’s celebration included raising the Supporters’ Shield, which they had secured earlier in the month on the road against Columbus. The event was a night of joy and reflection as Beckham acknowledged the season’s challenges and triumphs. He concluded his speech with a note of caution, emphasizing that while the night was for celebration, the focus would soon shift to preparing for the playoffs.
Inter Miami Sets New MLS Records for Points and Winning Percentage
Inter Miami’s triumph on Saturday night not only secured their position as MLS regular-season points record holders but also saw them set a new benchmark for winning percentage. With a final record of 22-4-8, Miami achieved a .765 winning percentage, surpassing previous records held by teams such as D.C. United (1998), LA Galaxy (1998), LAFC (2019), and New England (2021), all of whom finished with a .750 winning percentage.
Miami’s dominance throughout the season was marked by remarkable consistency. The team tied a league record by suffering only four losses during the regular season, becoming one of only eight teams in MLS history to achieve this feat. Lionel Messi and Suarez’s contributions were instrumental, with both players finishing the season with 20 goals each, making them the first teammates in MLS history to reach that milestone in the same season.
FIFA President Confirms Inter Miami’s Participation in the Club World Cup
Adding to the celebrations, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed after the match that Inter Miami would represent the host country in the upcoming Club World Cup. The tournament, scheduled to begin on June 15, 2025, in Miami Gardens, will see Inter Miami play the opening match, further highlighting the team’s meteoric rise on the international stage.
Lionel Messi’s impact in MLS has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining Inter Miami midway through the 2023 season, the Argentine legend has scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in 19 matches, transforming the team into a formidable force. With Suarez also reaching the 20-goal mark, Miami heads into the playoffs as the team to beat, their confidence bolstered by Lionel Messi’s magic and the promise of further success on the global stage.
