Lionel Messi's 'wonderful' Inter Miami message as David Beckham's side smash MLS records
by Matty Hewitt · Manchester Evening NewsLionel Messi continues to be the star of the show for David Beckham's MLS franchise Inter Miami. The 37-year-old scored his second hat-trick in just five days as Miami thrashed New England Revolution 6-2 which saw the club smash an MLS record.
The Beckham-owned franchise, which was only founded in 2018, moved onto 74 points after the win. It's the highest amount of points recorded in MLS history as they prepare for the play-off stage of the competition.
Messi scored a hat-trick on international duty for Argentina in their 6-0 win over Bolivia, before returning to Miami and repeating the feat. The playmaker became the club's all-time leading goal scorer with 33 goals.
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He becomes the first player to do so with three different teams - currently holding the records at Barcelona and with his country. Inter Miami teammate Leonardo Campana has netted 32 times in 98 outings since joining the Herons in January 2022.
Beckham's side have wrapped up the Supporters’ Shield and No. 1 seed in the MLS Cup play-offs after finishing top of the Eastern Conference. Inter Miami have been a side transformed since Messi's arrival, along with a number of big name players.
Taking to Instagram, Messi shared a number of images from the 6-2 win against New England, with the message: "Another wonderful night and another historic achievement for the club. Thanks to the people who supported us throughout the season, to #LaFamilia and to the entire @intermiamicf. See you in the Playoffs!"
Messi was joined in Miami by former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who has netted 20 goals in his maiden season in the MLS. The duo are among a host of former Barcelona stars who've swapped the Nou Camp for the Chase Stadium, including Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Former Manchester United midfielder Beckham is on the hunt for his first MLS title as owner having won the Leagues Cup last season - an annual competition between clubs from the Major League Soccer and Liga MX.
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