Messi scores another hat-trick, Inter Miami sets MLS record

Inter Miami 6-2 New England Revolution.

Having just returned from the Argentina national team, Messi was left on the bench by coach Gerardo Martino for the match against New England Revolution. However, the 61-year-old coach soon felt impatient, when Inter Miami conceded 2 goals in just the first 35 minutes.

Luis Suarez brought Inter Miami back into the game with two goals, tying the score at 2-2 at the end of the first half. Unable to maintain their advantage, New England Revolution "fell apart" in the second half, when Lionel Messi was brought onto the field.

In the 77th minute, Lionel Messi combined with Luis Suarez in the middle. The Argentine superstar beat the opposing defender with a simple shake of his body, then fired a diagonal shot from 20 meters away. The ball went straight into the far corner, leaving Aljaz Ivacic helpless.

Three minutes later, Messi received a pass from Jordi Alba on the left wing, then finished through the legs of the New England goalkeeper, raising the score to 5-2. In the 89th minute, Messi completed his hat-trick with a beautiful pass. Leonardo Campana initiated the play with a technical pass down the wing to Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan striker flew to pass the ball in one touch, aiming it into the penalty area. Lionel Messi was immediately present and finished past Ivacic, scoring Inter Miami's 6th goal. This was Messi's first hat-trick in Major League Soccer (MLS), and his second hat-trick in just 4 days. For Argentina, Messi just scored 3 goals against Bolivia, helping the team win 6-0.

The comeback win over New England helped Inter Miami finish the regular season with 74 points after 34 matches. They officially set a new record for points in a season in MLS. This record previously belonged to New England when they won 73 points after 34 matches in 2021.

Inter Miami are currently top of the Eastern Conference standings, eight points ahead of Columbus Crew. Messi and Suarez are tied for second place in the Golden Boot rankings, with 20 goals each. The leading striker is Christian Benteke (DC United), a former Crystal Palace player.

Thanh Loc

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/messi-lai-ghi-hat-trick-inter-miami-lap-ky-luc-tai-mls-ar902765.html