In a dazzling display of skill and talent, Lionel Messi encapsulated everything there is to love about football during a recent match that solidified Inter Miami’s status in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. With a remarkable hat trick in just 11 minutes, he propelled Miami to an emphatic 6-2 victory against the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This significant win not only clinched a spot in the MLS record books but also redefined the expectations fans had for their team during the season. Ending the regular season with an impressive total of 74 points and a record of 22 wins, 4 losses, and 8 draws, Inter Miami has indeed fostered a winning culture, catching the attention of the entire league and beyond.
Miami’s points tally of 74 narrowly eclipses the previous benchmark of 73 points held by the New England Revolution in 2021. However, it wasn’t just Messi’s phenomenal capabilities that led to this triumph. Luis Suárez played a crucial role, inspiring a dramatic comeback after Miami faced a two-goal deficit within the first 34 minutes. His two goals in rapid succession not only lifted the spirits of his teammates but also provided the momentum needed to chase down the record. Yet, it was Messi, as the team’s captain, who ultimately solidified their monumental accomplishment on the pitch. His return to form, having recovered from an ankle ligament injury, seems to have reinvigorated not just his game but the team as a whole.
Just one minute after his introduction into the match, Messi proved his value by assisting Benjamin Cremaschi, turning the game around for Miami by taking the lead for the first time. What followed was truly extraordinary: Messi’s hat trick began in the 78th minute, cementing his position as the club’s all-time leading scorer, with a remarkable tally of 33 goals. The significance of this feat cannot be overstated; it marked not only a personal achievement for Messi but also highlighted the club’s ascendance in a competitive league.
It’s worth noting that this season, Inter Miami broke new ground as the first team in MLS history to have multiple players reach the 20-goal mark. Both Messi and Suárez ended the regular season with 20 goals each, although their contributions fell short of D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, who clinched the Golden Boot with 23 goals. However, Messi took pride in leading the league in total goal contributions, which also includes assists, showcasing his dual threat on the field.
Following the match, co-owner David Beckham expressed his elation, highlighting the importance of teamwork and community support that fueled their journey throughout the season. He stated, “Tonight, it’s about you guys because you supported us through the tough times and you’re supporting us through the good times.” It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the fans who believed in their team’s potential when the odds seemed stacked against them. Beckham’s remarks resonate with a community that is increasingly passionate about their club and its aspirations.
Messi’s journey back into action was punctuated by caution after a significant injury earlier in the year. Following his recovery, Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, emphasized the meticulous approach taken in integrating Messi back into the lineup. He reflected on how both Messi’s time with the national team and Miami’s competitive games synergistically contributed to Messi finding his rhythm once again. This calculated re-entry into the squad has added to the excitement surrounding the playoff prospects.
The atmosphere post-match was electrifying, with an upbeat celebration marking Miami’s receipt of the 2024 Supporters’ Shield—a testament to their status as the best regular-season team in MLS history. This win also extends beyond bragging rights; it marks the culmination of hard work and strategic gameplay since their expansion into the league in 2020. The club’s triumph following Messi’s high-profile signing has redefined their competitive standing, culminating in their first piece of silverware in MLS.
As Inter Miami turns its gaze toward the playoffs, anticipation builds. They will begin their postseason campaign against the winner of the Eastern Conference wild-card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United. It is evident that this team, energized by recent achievements and driven by the relentless spirit of superstars like Messi, is prepared to take on new challenges. Beckham’s rallying cry, “Let’s get ready for the playoffs,” serves as a collective motivation for what lies ahead. With Messi leading the charge, the team and its fervent supporters are ready to embrace the thrilling journey of the MLS playoffs.