Video: Lionel Messi needed just seconds to help Inter Miami take the lead against New England

Lionel Messi entered the match ten minutes into the second half and wasted no time, scoring three goals in Inter Miami‘s victory over the New England Revolution. With this hat-trick, the Argentine star became the top scorer in the history of the Herons.

The match was thrilling from the outset. New England took the lead just two minutes in, when Luca Langoni capitalized on a mistake by David Martinez and scored with a sharp shot to the near post. In the 34th minute, Dylan Borrero doubled the advantage, seizing another opportunity created by Inter Miami’s defensive lapses—this time a miscue from goalkeeper Drake Callender.

Despite their defensive errors, the Herons took control of possession and created several dangerous opportunities. With key contributions from Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, they managed to level the score just before halftime. Suarez netted two beautiful goals, showcasing his finishing ability and helping Inter Miami get back into the game.

After the break, head coach Gerardo Martino wasted no time, waiting barely ten minutes to bring Lionel Messi onto the field. It took Messi only seconds to make an impact: in his first touch, he delivered a brilliant pass to Jordi Alba, who then assisted Benjamin Cremaschi to complete the comeback.

Another hat-trick for Messi

With Inter Miami already in the lead, Lionel Messi displayed his brilliance, netting three goals in the span of eleven minutes to seal his team’s victory. The first came from a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box, leaving goalkeeper Ivacic with no chance. Messi then received a perfect assist from Jordi Alba and calmly slotted in his second. Finally, an impressive pirouette by Luis Suarez set Messi up inside the box, where he secured the team’s sixth goal.

This marked Messi’s second consecutive hat-trick in just four days. He had delivered an outstanding performance in Argentina’s victory over Bolivia last Tuesday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, contributing three goals and two assists.

A night of records in Miami

Saturday’s match saw Lionel Messi score his first hat-trick in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. This feat also made him the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 33 goals, surpassing teammate Leonardo Campana, who has 32.

But the records didn’t stop there: with their victory over the New England Revolution, Inter Miami set a new MLS regular season points record, reaching 74 points and surpassing New England’s previous mark of 73, set in the 2021 season.