FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. — In an evening of purest football wizardry, Lionel Messi entered the pitch in the 57th minute and dismantled New England Revolution with a breathtaking 11-minute hat-trick, propelling Inter Miami to a resounding 6–2 victory at Chase Stadium on Decision Day.
The triumph cemented Inter Miami in the history books with 74 points—the highest single-season points tally ever recorded in Major League Soccer history, eclipsing the previous 73-point benchmark set by New England in 2021.
Following the trophy presentation for the MLS Supporters’ Shield, FIFA President Gianni Infantino walked onto the pitch to make a global announcement: Inter Miami has officially been awarded a spot as the host nation representative at the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and will stage the tournament’s prestigious opening match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
"Inter Miami have shown throughout this campaign that they are the premier club in North America," Infantino declared. "Therefore, I am proud to announce that as winners of the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, Inter Miami qualify as the host team for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025."
Messi’s three goals arrived in blistering succession: in the 78th minute, a vintage left-footed rocket into the far corner; in the 81st minute, a clinical one-on-one chip following a sumptuous rabona backheel from Luis Suárez; and in the 89th minute, a textbook side-footed volley from Leonardo Campana’s cross.
Suárez also bagged a brace earlier in the contest, meaning the South American strike duo finished the regular season with an astonishing combined 40 goals (20 goals apiece), steering Gerardo Martino’s side into the MLS Cup Playoffs as overwhelming title favourites.
"When Leo enters the match, everything transforms," Martino said post-match. "He changes the emotional pulse of the stadium, of his teammates, and of the opponent. What we achieved tonight with 74 points is testament to this group’s hunger."
Inter Miami now prepare for their Round One Best-of-3 series in the MLS Cup Playoffs, with global anticipation mounting ahead of Messi’s quest for his first MLS championship.