In a electrifying exhibition of talent and perseverance, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a stunning 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday, culminating in his remarkable 11-minute hat trick. This astonishing performance propelled Miami to a new high in Major League Soccer (MLS), as they concluded the regular season with 74 points—surpassing the previous record of 73 points set by the Revolution in 2021. This achievement marks a significant moment in the club’s relatively short history, demonstrating both the skill of its players and the potential of MLS as a competitive league.
Inter Miami’s journey through the season has been anything but predictable. After a rocky start, the team recovered perfectly, amassing a commendable 22 wins against merely four losses and eight draws over the course of 34 matches. The match against the Revolution was not easily won, particularly as Miami faced a daunting challenge; they were down two goals only 34 minutes into the game. However, the combination of experience and talent, spearheaded by Messi and fellow forward Luis Suárez, turned the tide dramatically. Suárez’s quick double saw Miami close the gap, setting the stage for Messi’s pivotal contributions.
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has been transformative, both on and off the field. His ability to elevate the game of those around him is pronounced, as evidenced by his swift involvement upon entering the match in the 57th minute. Just moments after stepping onto the pitch, Messi assisted teammate Benjamin Cremaschi in scoring the decisive goal that flipped the match in Miami’s favor. The captain’s hat trick, achieved between the 78th and 89th minutes, not only solidified his status as the club’s all-time leading scorer—reaching a total of 33 goals—but also enhanced his legacy in American soccer.
He now stands out as a key player in the Golden Boot race, tying Suárez with 20 goals for the season, although both trail D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, who has netted 23 goals. Moreover, Messi’s combined contribution of 36 goals and assists over a mere 19 games underscores his pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy. His almost seamless reintegration following an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final exemplifies his determination and skill level.
The match was not merely a testament to Messi’s brilliance; it also served as a celebration for the entire Miami team and its supporters. The trophy presentation for the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, an accolade awarded to the team with the best regular-season record, was a crowning moment for Inter Miami, marking their first silverware since their inception as an expansion franchise in 2020. This victory is significant not just for the players but also for the fans and the broader Miami community, creating a sense of unity and pride.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, encapsulated the essence of the night, highlighting the journey the team undertook amidst challenges and setbacks: “As my partner and friend Jorge Mas said, this was always about creating history for Miami. This was always about family, la familia, our people in this stadium.” Such sentiments remind us that sports transcend mere competition, fostering bonds among diverse communities.
With momentum firmly in their favor, Inter Miami is poised to make a strong run in the upcoming MLS playoffs. The team will enjoy the advantageous position of home-field advantage as they embark on this journey, facing the winner of the wild-card match-up between CF Montreal and Atlanta United. The excitement surrounding the playoffs is palpable, especially as Miami aims to capitalize on this record-breaking season and convert their regular-season success into playoff glory.
Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Miami’s head coach, mirrored the optimism surrounding the team’s prospects, noting the careful approach in managing Messi’s recovery and performance. The synergy between Messi’s fitness and the team’s tactical execution is vital as they prepare for the high-stakes matches that lie ahead.
Saturday’s match was a historic moment for Inter Miami, encapsulating the essence of sports—the thrill of the game, the camaraderie of fans, and the pursuit of excellence. As the playoffs loom, all eyes will be on Miami, eager to see if they can carry this remarkable momentum into a potential championship run.