Lionel Messi was at it again and helped David Beckham’s Inter Miami create MLS history in a 6-2 win over New England Revolution.
The Argentine icon didn’t even start the match in Florida but stole the show with an astonishing 11-minute hat-trick.
AFPMessi and his teammates celebrated winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield after a historic win[/caption]
The Herons had already won the MLS Supporters’ Shield thanks to their stunning domestic season.
And they lifted the trophy post-win, celebrating in style.
But their victory over The Revs put the perfect cherry on top.
The three points gave them 74 for the campaign – one more than the previous highest total in MLS history.
Funnily enough, that was held by New England and they fought hard to stop Inter Miami taking that achievement away from them.
They raced into a 2-0 lead on the night after 34 minutes but by half-time the scores were level thanks to a Suarez double.
And just before the hour-mark, on came Messi, left on the bench to protect him ahead of the playoffs.
A minute later, Miami had the lead with another Barcelona old boy, Jordi Alba, assisting Benjamin Cremaschi.
Not wishing to be out done though, Messi then went into overdrive, scoring his treble.
The first after 78 minutes was a long range strike rifled home, while the second was a composed finish from inside the box.
GettyMessi and Suárez have been a lethal combination in America this year[/caption]
The third was a simple finish but the intricate work ahead of it showed just how devastating this Inter Miami side can be on their day.
It made it 20 goals and 10 assists in 19 appearances and it wrapped up the single-season MLS points record.
It’s onto the playoffs now, where The Herons will face the winner of CF Montreal and Atlanta United next week.
As well as that, the Beckham-owned franchise will also head to the Club World Cup in 2025 thanks to their MLS performance.
That was announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino – right in front of the celebrating Inter Miami players.
“You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play,” he said.
“Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”
