Lionel Messi hat trick helps Inter Miami set record points in single MLS season

Lionel Messi scored a stunning hat trick on Sunday and guided Miami to a terrific win over New England Revolution. In the process, Inter Miami shattered the record for most points ever scored in a single season of the tournament.

In Short

• Inter Miami beat New England Revolution 6-2 in MLS
• Inter Miami register the most points in a single season of MLS
• Messi scored a hat trick in the match

Lionel Messi's spectacular hat trick propelled Inter Miami to a new MLS single-season points record during their 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday, marking an exhilarating MLS Decision Day.

Despite entering the match as a substitute in the 58th minute, Messi made an immediate impact by assisting on Benjamin Cremaschi's go-ahead goal just moments after coming onto the field. He then scored three consecutive goals, leading Miami's charge after they initially trailed 2-0 within the first 39 minutes.

With this win, Miami (22-4-8, 74 points) surpassed the previous points record of 73 set by the 2021 Revolution. Having clinched both the points record and the Supporters' Shield, the Herons now aim to complete their remarkable season by winning the MLS Cup.

Luis Suarez also shone brightly, contributing two goals and two assists, with both goals coming in a rapid four-minute span during the first half.

Both Messi and Suarez finished their inaugural full MLS seasons with 20 goals each. Messi added 16 assists in 19 regular-season matches, while Suarez recorded nine assists in 27 matches.

The Revolution, whose season ended in disappointment, saw goals from Luca Langoni and Dylan Borrero. New England (9-21-4, 31 points) finished 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference and ended the season on a four-match losing streak.

Langoni caught Miami off guard with a goal just two minutes into the match, and New England doubled their lead in the 34th minute due to a soft goal conceded by Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, as Borrero's harmless shot slipped through his legs.

Despite the scoreboard, Inter Miami dominated possession with 65.8% and outshot the Revolution 25-8 (11-4 in shots on target). The pressure finally paid off in the 40th minute when Suarez scored twice in quick succession, leveling the match at 2-2.

Messi's three goals came between the 78th and 89th minutes, with his final strike featuring a highlight-reel setup from Suarez, who made a leaping touch to cross the ball to Messi.

Inter Miami's first playoff match is set for Friday, where they will face the winner of the Eastern Conference wild card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United.