Lionel Messi netted two goals, thrilling a record crowd at Gillette Stadium as Inter Miami CF secured a 4-1 win on Saturday night.
Messi didn’t let down the 65,612 fans, delivering a left-footed strike from close range in the 68th minute, breaking the tie and marking his ninth goal of the season.
He also achieved a milestone, becoming the first player in MLS history to contribute to 16 goals in the first seven games of a season, as announced by Miami on social media.
Teammate Benjamin Cremaschi, who scored Miami’s third goal, expressed admiration, stating, “He makes it look so effortless. We’re just grateful to have him on our team. When he gets the chance, he seizes it.”
The attendance set a new record, surpassing the previous high of 61,316 from the 2002 MLS final when the Revolution faced the LA Galaxy.
In the first half, Messi found the net with a left-footed strike from inside the box, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 32nd minute.
New England coach Caleb Porter acknowledged Messi’s impact, stating, “Messi did what he does, he found a gap.”
The crowd erupted in cheers when the 36-year-old scored, energizing the atmosphere in a match between the Eastern Conference leaders Miami and the bottom-ranked Revolution.
Miami sealed the win with late goals from Cremaschi and Luis Suárez, with Messi contributing an assist to Suarez’s goal.
The Revolution had taken an early lead when Tomas Chancalay capitalized on a defensive lapse, beating the goalkeeper with a well-placed shot in the opening minute.
