Super Eagles star assists, but Lionel Messi scores hat-trick to help Inter Miami set MLS record against New England Revolution

Lionel Messi scored his second hat-trick in four days to help Inter Miami beat New England Revolution and eclipse the Revs MLS record.

Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami set an MLS record by scoring a hat-trick to help them beat the New England Revolution and finish the season with the most points amassed in a single season. 

Key match details 

The scoreline belied the thrilling contest that unfolded, as the New England Revolution initially stunned Inter Miami with a 2-0 advantage. 

The Revs burst had a peppy start to the game and former Boca Juniors forward Luca Langoni struck swiftly, finding the net within two minutes to help the visitors capitalise on their industrious start. 

Dylan Borrero doubled the lead in the 34th minute, getting on the end of a perfectly weighted delivery from Super Eagles midfielder who joined the Revs this summer, Al Hassan Yusuf, before beating Drake Callender.

However, Luis Suarez sparked a dramatic turnaround, netting a quick-fire brace to level the scores by halftime. The second half belonged to Lionel Messi, who started from the bench due to international break activity but came on to score a hat-trick. 

Assisted by Jordi Alba, Benjamin Cremaschi gave Inter Miami the lead for the first time in the game in the 58th minute. 

New England thought they equalised shortly after, but Bobby Wood's goal was nullified due to a handball infraction. 

Messi then took centre stage, scoring in the 78th and 80th minutes to stretch Miami's lead. The Argentine maestro completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute, courtesy of Suarez's second assist, sealing a resounding 5-2 win.

The win ensured The Herons finished the season with 74 points after 34 games. This was an MLS record, as they surpassed New England's tally of 73 points, which they set in 2021.