Messi netted an 11-minute hat-trick for Inter Miami on Saturday. (AP)
Lionel Messi scored his second consecutive hat-trick across club and country appearances as Inter Miami routed New England Revolution 6-2 Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Coming off a hat-trick in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier win over Bolivia, Messi smashed three goals in only 11 minutes as Miami broke the record for most points by a team in an MLS season. Miami finished the MLS regular season with 74 points and a 22-4-8 (W-L-D) record, edging past the Revolution’s 2021 tally of 73 points.
Starting from the 78th minute, Messi smashed in three goals and also became the club’s highest goal-scorer with 33 goals. The 37-year-old is now the highest scorer at three different teams, with Miami joining the Argentinian national side and FC Barcelona among Messi’s most favoured hunting grounds.
LIONEL ANDRES MESSI 🚨
Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi link-up for his 18th goal! pic.twitter.com/GtBlq6a6oQ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 19, 2024
“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 playoffs.
“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. Tonight, it’s about you guys because you supported us through the tough times and you’re supporting us through the good times.”
Messi to play in 2025 Club World Cup
Messi and Inter Miami were awarded a spot in next year’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday and will host the opening game of the 32-team tournament featuring top clubs from around the world.
Miami, who won their first MLS Supporters’ Shield, are the penultimate team added to the June 15-July 13 tournament being held around the United States.
“Congratulations on your wonderful 2024 Supporters’ Shield success. You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a news release.
“Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as the host club representing the United States.”
With Reuters inputs
