Lionel Messi's stellar performance secured Inter Miami's historic MLS regular-season records with a 6-2 win against New England. Messi achieved his first MLS hat trick, while Suarez added two goals. The victory set records for most points and best winning percentage,

Messi entered in the 58th minute, after Luis Suarez had a pair of first-half goals, and Inter Miami finished the season with an MLS-record 74 points — one more than the Revolution had in 2021.

The planning began when “Lionel Messi to Inter Miami” was still just a dream, an internet rumor discredited by insiders but sustained by a billionaire’s belief. In the fall of 2022, as MLS clubs set out to build their 2023 rosters,