Lionel Messi Dominates MLS Regular Season Finale
MLS Regular Season Ends with Messi's Hat-Trick
Miami has solidified its position at the top of the North American championship standings with 74 points, a new record in MLS history (34 matches per team). As the playoffs commence, Messi (37 years old) has proven to be invaluable. After scoring a hat-trick against Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier earlier this week, he repeated the feat on Saturday at home.
Messi's Incredible Performance
Entering the game as a substitute at the 58th minute, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner became the star of the match by scoring three times within just 12 minutes. His first goal came with a clean strike at the edge of the box in the 78th minute. He followed up with a clever finish beneath the goalkeeper in the 81st minute, before acrobatically converting a cross from Luis Suarez in the 89th minute, all executed with his left foot.
The Argentinian, who was crowned world champion in 2022, finished the regular season with an impressive tally of 20 goals in 19 matches, marking a remarkable comeback after a two-month injury layoff.
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