Inter Miami Sets MLS Record as Messi Scores 11-Minute Hat-Trick

In a historic night for Major League Soccer (MLS), Inter Miami secured a league-record 74 points after a thrilling 6-2 victory against the New England Revolution. Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez led the charge, with Messi delivering an 11-minute hat-trick and Suárez netting two first-half goals.

Messi and Suárez: Dynamic Duo Leads the Comeback

Despite trailing 2-0 early in the match, Inter Miami showed resilience. Luis Suárez, who joined the team alongside his former Barcelona teammate Messi, sparked the comeback with two quick goals before halftime. Messi, who entered the game in the 58th minute, wasted no time impacting the match. He assisted Benjamin Cremaschi’s goal, then scored three goals within 11 minutes, turning the scoreline into an insurmountable lead.

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Securing the Supporters’ Shield

With their final game victory, Inter Miami not only set a new points record but also solidified their status as the top team heading into the MLS Cup playoffs. The team had already clinched the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record, stamping themselves as clear favorites in the playoffs. Inter Miami becomes the eighth team in MLS history to finish a season with only four losses.

Messi’s Milestone Season

This was Lionel Messi’s first hat-trick for Inter Miami since joining the club in 2023. Despite dealing with an ankle injury that sidelined him for two months and other national team commitments, Messi managed to score 20 goals and contribute 16 assists in just 19 appearances. His partnership with Suárez, who also scored 20 goals this season, has proven to be instrumental for the team.

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Inter Miami Clinches 2025 Club World Cup Spot

At the post-match celebration, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed Inter Miami’s spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as the host club. The tournament, which will include 32 teams from around the world, is set to kick off on June 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Infantino praised Inter Miami as one of the best clubs globally, recognizing their success in MLS.

What’s Next: MLS Cup Playoffs and Beyond

Inter Miami now looks ahead to their first home playoff match in club history, scheduled for Friday night. With their top-seeded status, they are positioned as favorites to make a deep playoff run. Head coach Gerardo Martino expressed confidence in the team, especially after overcoming obstacles earlier in the season.

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“We never set the points record as a goal, but when it was in sight, we went for it,” Martino said. “This is a great confidence boost for the team going into the playoffs.”

Other MLS Playoff Updates

Elsewhere in MLS, Montreal secured their spot in the playoffs with a 2-0 win over New York City FC, finishing eighth in the Eastern Conference. They will face Atlanta United in a wildcard match, with the winner set to play Inter Miami in the first round.

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