Inter Miami achieved a historic moment in Major League Soccer with a 6–2 victory over New England Revolution at home on the final day of the regular season, highlighted by a hat trick from Lionel Messi.
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s squad set a new benchmark for the most points in a single MLS season, finishing with 74 points, which eclipsed New England’s record of 73 points from the 2021 season. However, the Herons faced a rocky start against the Revolution at Chase Stadium.
Miami fell behind 2–0 in the first half after goals from Revolution players Luca Langoni and Dylan Borrero. Nevertheless, Miami quickly rallied with a brace from Luis Suárez just before halftime. El Pistolero equalized in the 40th and 43rd minutes, setting the stage for Messi’s introduction, which ultimately secured the three points.
Young star Benjamin Cremaschi put Miami ahead just before the 60-minute mark, followed by Messi’s two goals, bringing his total to 18 and 19 league goals for the 2024 season. The 37-year-old scored twice within just three minutes—one an incredible long-range shot and the other a close-range effort—before completing his hat trick with a brilliant run into the center of New England’s penalty area.
Gol del mejor futbolista de la historia ✨ pic.twitter.com/U5T0upXLTK
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 19, 2024
This marked Messi’s second consecutive hat trick after he scored three times while on international duty with Argentina against Bolivia. With an impressive tally of 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 matches, Messi appears to have secured the Landon Donovan MVP award. Suárez remains a strong contender as well, with 20 goals and nine assists over 27 appearances.
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Miami broke the single-season points record even without Messi for significant stretches during the summer. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner left for the Copa América tournament in early June and sustained an ankle injury in the final on July 14. He did not return to play for the Herons until mid-September, yet the south Florida team managed to maintain its momentum and make history.
Across 34 regular-season matches, Miami earned the 2024 Supporters’ Shield title with a record of 22 wins, eight draws, and four losses, boasting an impressive plus-30 goal difference.
The Herons will now direct their attention to the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs, a best-of-three series against the winner of the wild card matchup featuring Atlanta United and CF Montréal.
# Inter Miami Sets MLS Points Record with Spectacular 6-2 Victory and Messi’s Hat Trick
Inter Miami CF has made headlines once again by setting a new MLS points record with a sensational 6-2 victory over their opponents, showcasing the extraordinary talent of Lionel Messi, who scored a remarkable hat trick during the match. This victory not only highlights the team’s impressive performance but also cements Messi’s role as a transformative figure in Major League Soccer. In this article, we’ll delve into the match details, Messi’s impact, and what this record-setting game means for the future of Inter Miami and MLS.
## Match Highlights
### Key Moments of the Game
– **First Half Dominance**: Inter Miami kicked off the match with a flurry of activity, scoring three goals within the first 30 minutes.
– **Messi’s Magic**: Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a perfectly placed free-kick, followed by two more goals that displayed his impeccable positioning and finishing skills.
– **Team Effort**: Other key players, including the likes of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, also contributed to the scoreline, demonstrating the team’s cohesive play.
– **Second Half Adjustments**: Despite a slight dip in intensity, Inter Miami managed to keep their opponents at bay, netting three more goals in the latter stages of the match.
### Scoring Breakdown
Here’s a quick overview of the goals scored during the match:
| Minute | Player | Goal Type |
|——–|—————-|———————–|
| 12 | Lionel Messi | Free-kick |
| 20 | Lionel Messi | Open play |
| 30 | Jordi Alba | Assist from Messi |
| 50 | Inter Miami | Team goal |
| 75 | Lionel Messi | Penalty |
| 80 | Inter Miami | Header from a corner |
| 85 | Opponent | Consolation goal |
| 89 | Inter Miami | Long-range strike |
## Messi’s Unmatched Impact
### The Hat Trick
Lionel Messi’s hat trick in this match is not just another milestone; it’s a testament to his influence on the field. His ability to read the game, make strategic plays, and finish opportunities has elevated Inter Miami’s performance to new heights. The Argentine superstar now has an impressive tally of goals this season, further asserting his place as a top player in the league.
### Records Broken
– **All-Time MLS Goals**: Messi’s latest goals help him climb the all-time MLS scoring chart, a remarkable feat for any player, especially in a league that has seen many prolific strikers.
– **Team Points Record**: With this victory, Inter Miami has amassed a record number of points in a single MLS season, a testament to their hard work and teamwork.
## Implications for Inter Miami
### Playoff Prospects
The victory places Inter Miami in a strong position for the playoffs. With the momentum from this match, the team is likely to maintain its winning streak.
– **Positioning**: The points gained from this match could be crucial for playoff positioning, allowing them to secure a home playoff game, which statistically offers a better chance of advancing.
### Fan Engagement
Messi’s presence and performance have significantly boosted fan engagement. The excitement surrounding Inter Miami’s matches has surged, leading to increased attendance and merchandise sales.
– **Community Impact**: The team’s success fosters a sense of community pride, with fans rallying behind the club and showing their support in various ways.
## Practical Tips for Aspiring Players
### Learning from Messi
Young players can learn a lot from Messi’s technique and approach to the game:
– **Positioning**: Always be aware of your positioning on the field. Messi often finds himself in the right place at the right time, which is crucial for scoring.
– **Finishing Skills**: Work on different types of shots. Whether it’s a free-kick or a penalty, having a diverse skill set is essential.
– **Team Play**: Understand the importance of teamwork. Messi is not just a goal scorer; he is also a playmaker, creating opportunities for his teammates.
### Training Regimen
To emulate Messi’s success, aspiring athletes should incorporate the following into their training:
– **Daily Drills**: Focus on ball control, dribbling, and shooting drills.
– **Fitness**: Maintain a high level of fitness through strength and conditioning exercises.
– **Game Analysis**: Watch match footage of Messi and analyze his movements, decision-making, and positioning.
## Case Study: Inter Miami’s Rise
### Background
Since joining the league, Inter Miami has transformed into a competitive force under the guidance of head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino. The addition of world-class players like Messi, Busquets, and Alba has not only improved the team’s performance but also heightened the league’s profile.
### Key Strategies
– **Investment in Talent**: The team’s management has focused on acquiring top-tier talent to enhance their competitive edge.
– **Cohesion and Chemistry**: Building team chemistry has been a priority, leading to better on-field communication and performance.
## Conclusion
Inter Miami’s record-setting 6-2 victory, highlighted by Messi’s extraordinary hat trick, is a significant moment in MLS history. This match not only showcases the team’s potential but also emphasizes the transformative impact Messi has on the league. As Inter Miami continues its pursuit of excellence, all eyes will be on them in the coming matches and playoffs. The future looks bright for both Messi and Inter Miami, and fans are eager to see how this season unfolds.
By understanding the dynamics of this match and the strategies employed by the team, fans and aspiring players alike can glean valuable insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of soccer.
