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In a thrilling clash at the sold-out Gillette Stadium, soccer fans witnessed the magic of Messi Mania as Lionel Messi etched his name into Major League Soccer (MLS) history. The Argentinian superstar dazzled the crowd, scoring twice and setting two remarkable records in Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution.
The first record is the multiple-goal contribution. Messi became the first MLS player to achieve multiple goals (goals or assists) in five consecutive matches. His 16 goal contributions in the first seven games of the season surpassed the previous record held by Thierry Henry and Carlos Vela. The 36-year-old maestro showcased his scoring prowess, finding the net twice and also providing an assist for former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez’s late goal.
Also, the second record is the historic attendance. The electric atmosphere at Gillette Stadium was fueled by a record-breaking crowd of 65,612 fans, surpassing the previous Revolution home game attendance mark. Fans clamored to witness Messi’s brilliance, paying a premium for tickets, each priced at $285, a mere $10 more than the average ticket for a 2023 New England Patriots home game.
Miami’s meteoric rise Messi’s impact extends beyond individual accolades. His arrival has transformed Inter Miami’s fortunes, propelling them to their first trophy win last August. Now, under his leadership, they sit atop the MLS Eastern Conference with a 6-3-2 record. The team’s rise has been meteoric, and Messi’s influence is palpable both on and off the field.
Chasing Records As the MLS season unfolds, Messi continues to chase records. With nine goals already to his name, he leads the league’s scoring charts. The all-time club scoring record of 29 goals, held by Gonzalo Higuain, is well within his sights.
Miami head coach Gerardo Martino summed it up: “People come to every stadium to see Leo; that’s true, but they also want their team to win.” Messi’s presence electrifies stadiums, motivating opponents and inspiring fans alike.
From World Cup triumphs to Ballon d’Or honors, Messi’s legacy grows with each dazzling performance. Last week, a record home crowd gathered at Chase Field as Nashville, SC, hosted Miami, underscoring the global phenomenon that is Lionel Messi.
Ig @mannu mwendwa.
