Messi’s Hat Trick Seals Historic Season for Inter Miami with MLS Points Record
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have officially set a new standard for the best regular season in Major League Soccer history.
In a standout performance, Messi secured his first hat trick in an Inter Miami jersey, marking his second hat trick within five days. His teammate, Luis Suarez, contributed two goals as well, helping Inter Miami defeat the New England Revolution 6-2 on Saturday night, securing a new MLS record of 74 points in a single season.
Messi’s dynamic display may have locked up the MLS MVP award, leaving Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham visibly amazed from the sidelines at Chase Stadium. The club celebrated its MLS Supporters’ Shield victory, with Beckham and co-owner Jorge Mas handing the trophy to Messi, goalie Drake Callender, and midfielder Sergio Busquets, who collectively raised it amid fireworks and a shower of pink confetti.
During the postgame ceremony, FIFA president Gianni Infantino also announced that Inter Miami would host the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the U.S.
“Our players are the reason we’ve had this successful season,” said Beckham. “Our captain led the way, and our team stepped up during tough times. Tonight we celebrate, but tomorrow we prepare for Friday’s playoffs.”
Suarez scored twice within three minutes (in the 40th and 43rd minutes) to spark Miami’s comeback. Messi entered the game in the 58th minute, quickly assisting Benjamin Cresmachi’s goal alongside Jordi Alba. Shortly after, Messi scored twice (in the 78th and 81st minutes) to give Miami a solid lead. He capped off the game with his third goal in the 89th minute, securing the hat trick.
This match followed Messi’s impressive international performance, where he scored three goals and assisted twice in Argentina’s 6-0 win over Bolivia during a World Cup 2026 qualifying match.
“Even as a teammate, you can’t help but be in awe,” said Inter Miami’s Julian Gressel. “To see him deliver back-to-back hat tricks is just incredible. We hope he can keep this up in the playoffs.”
Inter Miami is set to start the MLS Cup Playoffs next Friday, facing the winner of Tuesday’s Eastern Conference wild-card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United. With the league's best record (22 wins, four losses, eight draws), Miami will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs as they aim for the MLS Cup final on Dec. 7.
Inter Miami’s 74-point record surpasses the 73 points set by New England in 2021. Early goals by New England’s Luca Langoni (2’) and Dylan Borrero (34’) initially gave them the lead, but Miami’s comeback sealed the win.
“This points record has given our team a huge confidence boost,” said Inter Miami coach Tata Martino. “It wasn’t a target at the beginning of the season, but once we realized it was within reach, we went for it. It’s a win for the entire Inter Miami family.”
Both Messi and Suarez finished the season with 20 goals, making them the first MLS teammates to reach that milestone for the same club. They came close to D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, who will claim the MLS Golden Boot with 23 goals.
Messi appeared in 19 of 34 games (55.8%) for Inter Miami this season. He closed the regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists, becoming one of only five players in MLS history to register at least 36 goal contributions in a season.
In the MLS MVP race, Messi's competitors, including Cucho Hernandez of the Columbus Crew, Lucho Acosta of Cincinnati, and Portland’s Evander, each finished with 33 goal contributions. The MVP voting ends on Sunday, and the winner will be announced during the playoffs.
After missing two months due to a right ankle injury from the Copa America final on July 14, Messi is back in top form. Since returning on Sept. 14, he has played in eight matches, scoring 11 goals.
“We’re entering the most important part of the season, and Messi is in the perfect condition to lead us through it,” said Martino.
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