Final flourish. Messi's hat-trick helped Inter Miami win the final match of the MLS season
Liam Garcia
Dailysports's expert
Today, in the final match of the regular MLS season, Inter Miami hosted New England Revolution. With no implications on the standings for either side, this was a match played purely for pride.
The visitors struck early, taking the lead in just the second minute as the ball found the back of Inter Miami’s net. By the 34th minute, New England doubled their advantage.
However, the hosts managed to respond before halftime. In the 40th minute, Luis Suárez capitalized on a pass from Héctor Martínez, firing the ball into the net. Just three minutes later, Suárez completed his brace with an assist from Yannick Bright.
Then, in the 58th minute, Inter Miami's star attraction, Lionel Messi, entered the pitch. Barely moments after his introduction, Messi was involved in a crucial play, providing a pre-assist to his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, who set up Benjamin Cremaschi to put Miami ahead.
But Messi was far from done. From the 78th to the 89th minute, he scored a sensational hat-trick, with all three goals coming from his former Barcelona teammates. Two were assisted by Luis Suárez, while Jordi Alba delivered the final setup for Messi's second.
The match ended with a resounding victory for Inter Miami.
MLS
Inter Miami 6–2 New England Revolution
Goals: Langoni 2’, Borrero 34’ – Suárez 40’, 43’, Cremaschi 58’, Messi 78’, 81’, 89’
Inter Miami finishes the 2024 MLS season atop the table, with 74 points from 22 wins and 8 draws in 34 matches. David Beckham's team stands as the highest-scoring side in the league, netting 79 goals while conceding 49.
Lionel Messi finished second in the MLS Golden Boot race, with 20 goals and 17 assists to his name. The top scorer was former Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke, who netted 23 goals. Luis Suárez took fourth place, matching Messi’s 20 goals but with nine assists.
