"This is what impact means", "The only football maestro" - Fans hail Lionel Messi as Inter Miami create MLS history
Fans have hailed Lionel Messi following his first hattrick for Inter Miami in the 6-0 win over New England Revolution on Saturday, October 19. The Argentinian started the game from the bench but came on after the break to make a huge imact.
The Herons started the game on the back foot, going 0-2 down at home by the 34th minute. However, Luiz Suarez (40', 43') brought them back into the tie with a quickfire brace just before the break.
With the game tied at 2-2, the diminutive magician entered the field in the 57th minute. He instantly interchanged passes with Jordi Alba, who set up Benjamin Cremaschi in the 58th minute to help Inter Miami take the lead.
From then on, it was the Lionel Messi show. The 37-year-old put the home side 4-2 up in the 78th minute with a long ranger, before scoring again in the 81st minute. The Argentinian completed his hattrick in the 89th minute, ensuring that the Florida-based club ended the league campaign on a high.
Fans were understandably ecstatic after the Argentinian's superb performance. One suggested that having Messi meant having everything, writing:
"If we have Messi, we have everything."
Another praised the Argentinian's impact, posting:
"This is what impact means."
Another labeled him as the only football maestro, commenting:
"The only football maestro, Lionel Messi."
Fans hailed Messi as the greatest of all time. One pointed out that he had redefined the MLS, writing:
"Messi didn’t just join MLS; he redefined it! The league’s best season because the GOAT decided to make it his playground!"
One fan suggested that the diminutive Argentinian didn't need a penalty to define himself, posting:
"You don't need penalty to define who you are."
Another added:
"that’s what you get when you sign the GOAT."
Inter Miami have broken the MLS record for the highest points in the regular league campaign, securing 74 points from 34 games this season.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami this season?
Lionel Messi has been in sizzling form for Inter Miami this season, scoring 22 goals and setting up 12 more from 22 games across competitions. The Argentinian has transformed the Herons since arriving in the summer of 2023 following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
La Pulga helped the Florida-based club win the Leagues Cup last season. This year, his efforts have already seen them win the MLS Supporters' Shield.
Inter Miami are now preparing for the MLS Playoffs. With the little magician leading them, the Herons will be quietly confident of going all the way.