Lionel Messi thrilled a record crowd at Gillette Stadium by scoring two goals to lead Inter Miami to a 4-1 victory over New England Revolution. With 65,612 fans in attendance, Messi’s left-footed strike in the 68th minute marked his ninth goal of the season, making him the first player in MLS history to record 16 goal contributions in his first seven games of a season. Teammate Benjamin Cremaschi, who scored Miami’s third goal, praised Messi’s impact, emphasizing his ability to make difficult plays seem effortless.

The match saw an attendance record surpassing the previous high set in 2002. Despite an early lead for New England, Messi’s brilliance shifted the momentum in Miami’s favor. Caleb Porter, the New England coach, acknowledged Messi’s ability to exploit openings in the defense.

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with cheers erupting each time Messi touched the ball. The significance of Messi’s presence was evident as fans, including those wearing Miami and Argentina jerseys, eagerly awaited his performance. Despite the concurrent playoffs of the Boston Celtics and Bruins, Messi’s visit dominated the sports landscape, drawing fans from across the country who had followed his career from his days with Barcelona to his international achievements with Argentina.