FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have set a new record for the best regular season in Major League Soccer history. Messi achieved his first hat trick for Inter Miami, and his second within five days, leading the team to a 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution. This win also secured the MLS record for the most points in a season, totaling 74.
Messi’s performance left Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham nearly speechless as he watched the action unfold at Chase Stadium. Messi made an impactful return after entering the game in the 58th minute, contributing to a goal by Benjamin Cremaschi that put Miami ahead 3-2. He then scored twice in quick succession in the 78th and 81st minutes, extending the lead to 5-2. Messi completed his hat trick with a final goal in the 89th minute.
This match marked Messi’s first appearance since a standout performance last Tuesday, where he netted three goals and provided two assists for Argentina in a 6-0 victory over Bolivia during World Cup 2026 qualifying.
Luis Suarez also played a vital role in the match, scoring two goals within three minutes (40’ and 43’), helping to distinguish Inter Miami as a formidable team in MLS history. With 74 points, Miami surpassed the previous record of 73 points set by the Revolution in 2021.
The match had a shaky start for Inter Miami, with New England’s Luca Langoni and Dylan Borrero scoring early on. However, Messi and Suarez both finished the MLS season with 20 goals each, trailing only Christian Benteke of D.C. United for the league lead.
Inter Miami is set to begin the MLS Cup Playoffs next Friday against either CF Montreal or Atlanta United, determined through a wild-card game on Tuesday.
As the regular season came to a close, several other teams secured playoff spots, and the Western Conference seeding will be finalized after the upcoming matches.
In Messi’s game, key moments included his remarkable goals, an overturned goal from New England’s Bobby Wood, and a strong assist from Luis Suarez. Despite conceding early goals, Messi’s entrance shifted the momentum in favor of Inter Miami.
Inter Miami’s next playoff opponent will be decided shortly, as several teams vie for the final postseason spots on MLS Decision Day.