Lionel Messi checked into the match early in the second half, the score tied and Inter Miami’s chances at breaking a pair of Major League Soccer regular-season records very much uncertain.

In that instant, it all changed.

Messi had three goals — his first MLS hat-trick — and an assist in the span of about 30 minutes, Luis Suarez scored twice and Inter Miami rolled past New England 6-2 on Saturday night to set MLS records for most points and best winning percentage. Inter Miami finished with 74 points, one more than New England had in their record-setting season in 2021.

Best player ever. Best MLS record ever. A perfect match.

“This night is yours,” Inter Miami primary owner Jorge Mas said after the match, as the team celebrated the Supporters’ Shield — which they won earlier this month on the road at Columbus — in a ceremony for the home fans. “The best fans on the face of the earth.”

The party was going to happen either way. Messi just made it even more special.

“Our players are what has made this season successful,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said. “Our captain has led us. Our players have led us in times when it was difficult. But now, we celebrate. Tomorrow (Sunday), we prepare for Friday, the playoffs.”

Suarez and Messi finished with 20 goals apiece, the first MLS teammates to reach that milestone in the same season. It was Messi’s first hat trick for Inter Miami, the team the Argentine superstar joined midway through the 2023 season in a huge victory for MLS.

If all that wasn’t enough, Fifa President Gianni Infantino said after the match that Inter Miami — as has been generally expected — would be in the Club World Cup next summer as the host country representative. The tournament starts on June 15, 2025 in Miami Gardens, and Inter Miami will play the first match.

Messi finished the regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 matches. Suarez got to 20 goals in his first MLS season.

AP