FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have achieved the highest regular season performance in Major League Soccer history.

Messi recorded his first hat trick in an Inter Miami uniform, and his second in just five days, leading his team to a 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution. This win secured the new MLS record of 74 points in a single season.

Messi’s display was extraordinary, leaving Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham almost speechless as he marveled at Messi’s skill at Chase Stadium.

Messi made his appearance in the 58^th minute and immediately contributed with a hockey assist, setting up Benjamin Cremaschi to score and give Miami a 3-2 advantage.

He then struck twice within three minutes, scoring in the 78^th and 81^st minutes, increasing the score to 5-2. Messi capped off his performance with his third goal in the 89^th minute.

This was Messi’s first outing since his three-goal, two-assist performance for Argentina in a 6-0 World Cup 2026 qualifier against Bolivia last Tuesday.

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez also shone in this match, scoring two goals in a three-minute flurry (40’ and 43’), contributing to Inter Miami’s historic win.

With this match, Inter Miami’s 74 points surpassed the previous MLS record of 73, achieved by the Revolution in 2021.

The game did have its nerve-wracking moments, as New England’s Luca Langoni (2’) and Dylan Borrero (34’) almost disrupted Miami’s celebration with early strikes.

Both Messi and Suarez ended the MLS season with 20 goals, closely following D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, who is the league’s top scorer.

Inter Miami is set to commence the MLS Cup Playoffs next Friday against the victor of the Eastern Conference wild-card match, which will take place on Tuesday between CF Montreal and Atlanta United.

The final day of the 2024 regular season, known as MLS Decision Day, saw two more teams from the Eastern Conference qualify for the playoffs, while the Western Conference will finalize its seeding after Saturday’s games.

Here’s what you need to know about Messi’s performance today, with live updates from YSL News Sports:

Lionel Messi hat trick goal: Inter Miami 6, New England 2

Lionel Messi goal: Inter Miami 5, New England 2

It’s Messi again! Just three minutes after his last goal, he found the net again in the 81^st minute, bringing the score to 5-2.

Lionel Messi goal: Inter Miami 4, New England 2

The legend has scored! In the 78^th minute, Lionel Messi netted an impressive goal from outside the box, raising Inter Miami’s lead to 4-2 and solidifying their chances of setting the MLS points record.

Bobby Wood goal disallowed: Inter Miami 3, New England 2

Bobby Wood of New England thought he had tied the game in the 70^th minute, but his goal was overturned after a video review revealed the ball had hit his hand.

Benjamin Cremaschi goal: Inter Miami 3, New England 2

Messi made an instant impact after coming on in the 58^th minute, assisting Jordi Alba before Benjamin Cremaschi scored, putting Miami ahead 3-2 over the Revolution.

Luis Suarez goal: Inter Miami 2, New England 2

We have a tied game! Luis Suarez leveled the score with his second goal of the match in the 43^rd minute, making it two goals in just three minutes for him, as he now has 20 goals this season. He is three behind the league’s leading scorer, Christian Benteke.

Luis Suarez goal: New England 2, Inter Miami 1

Inter Miami’s first goal came from Luis Suarez, who scored in the 40^th minute, marking his 19^th goal of the MLS season, thanks to an assist from David Martinez.

Dylan Borrero goal: New England 2, Inter Miami 0

Things were looking grim for Inter Miami as they trailed 2-0 after New England’s Dylan Borrero scored in the 34^th minute due to a lackluster defensive effort.

Luca Langoni goal: New England 1, Inter Miami 0

New England took an early lead with Luca Langoni scoring just two minutes into the match against goalie Drake Callender.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. New England Revolution live stream?

You can live stream the match between Inter Miami and the New England Revolution via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Is Messi playing tonight?

Messi will indeed play, but it is expected that he will start from the bench during Saturday’s match, as confirmed by Inter Miami coach Tata Martino.

Inter Miami starting lineup vs. New England Revolution

Here’s the starting lineup for Inter Miami, featuring Messi on the bench for this match.

Here’s the latest on Messi

Messi has recently returned from international play, where he scored a hat trick and provided two assists in Argentina’s 6-0 victory against Bolivia last Tuesday. Argentina also played to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela on October 10.

Since his return, Messi has played seven matches, scoring eight goals.

Messi will be out for two months due to a right ankle ligament injury sustained during the Copa America final on September 14.

Will Messi participate in the 2026 World Cup?

Messi hasn’t made a decision yet about playing for the defending champion Argentina in the upcoming World Cup.

“I prefer to take things one day at a time. I strive to enjoy this moment. When the time arrives, we will discuss it,” Messi stated following the MARCA America Award acceptance on Thursday.

“I do not like rushing into the future or planning too far ahead. My main focus is to appreciate each day. My hope is to maintain my current playing level so I can feel well and happy. The joy of doing what I love is more important to me than just aiming for the 2026 tournament. My goal isn’t solely to reach the World Cup; it’s about living in the present and being good.”

Who will Inter Miami compete against in the MLS Playoffs?

Inter Miami’s initial playoff match is set for October 25, but their opponent has yet to be decided. They will face the winner of the Eastern Conference wild-card game on October 22, which involves the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in the playoffs.

Currently, D.C. United (No. 8), CF Montréal (No. 9), Philadelphia Union (No. 11), and Atlanta United (No. 12) are fighting for the last two playoff slots on MLS Decision Day this Saturday. Toronto (No. 10) has already been eliminated.