Lionel Messi’s Hat-Trick of Assists Leads Inter Miami to Convincing Victory

In Major League Soccer (MLS), Inter Miami had managed only 1 point from their previous two matches. Leaving that disappointment behind, the team returned to winning ways on 5 October, thanks to a hat-trick of assists from Lionel Messi. Miami defeated New England by a comprehensive 4–1 margin.

For Miami, Tadeo Ayende and Jordi Alba each scored two goals, contributing to the dominant performance.

Despite the significant victory, Miami left the pitch with some disappointment. On the same day, Philadelphia defeated New York City 1–0, overtaking Miami to win the Supporters’ Shield. The Supporters’ Shield is awarded to the team with the highest points in the MLS regular season. Last year, Inter Miami had claimed the award.

After losing to Chicago Fire in the previous match, Miami’s chances of winning the Shield had all but disappeared. Philadelphia only needed to win one of their final two matches to secure the Shield, and they achieved that today. Following the victory, Philadelphia tops the table with 66 points from 33 matches, while Miami remains third with 59 points from 32 matches.

Even if Miami wins their final two matches, they cannot surpass Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Cincinnati, in second place with 62 points from 33 matches, also cannot overtake Philadelphia. Consequently, the Shield is officially secured for Philadelphia, marking their second Supporters’ Shield triumph, having first won it in 2020.

At Miami’s home ground, DRV PNK Stadium, the team showcased attacking football from the start. In the 32nd minute, Ayende scored following an excellent pass from Messi from outside the box. During added time of the first half, Messi linked up with Alba, who scored inside the box following another Messi pass.

After the break, New England reduced the deficit to 2–1 in the 59th minute through Dorr Turgemen. However, just a minute later, Messi once again provided a brilliant pass from near midfield, which Ayende converted for his second goal. In the 63rd minute, Alba scored his second goal of the match, making it 4–1.

At the end of the match, a formal farewell ceremony was held for Sergio Busquets, who is set to retire from football at the end of the season.