Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas presented Lionel Messi (No. 10) with the MARCA America Award during a ceremony at Chase Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. MARCA, a Spanish sports media outlet, honored Messi for his remarkable contributions to soccer throughout his career.
Heading into their regular-season finale against the New England Revolution on Saturday, Inter Miami has already solidified itself as a top contender for the MLS Cup. However, one significant achievement remains within reach: breaking the MLS points record. Miami currently holds 71 points and can surpass the existing record of 73, held by the Revolution, with a win at home.
Despite the allure of setting the points record, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino emphasized that the priority is player health ahead of the playoffs. “This is an important game because we’ve been setting goals all season, and now this one has appeared on the horizon,” Martino said. “But our main focus is on the playoffs starting next Friday, so we’ll have to be careful with how we manage our players, especially those returning from international duty, including Leo [Messi].”
Messi returned from Argentina after delivering a stellar performance—a hat trick and two assists—in a 6-0 win against Bolivia. On Thursday, the 37-year-old Inter Miami captain said he feels strong, healthy, and motivated to lead Miami to its first MLS Cup. Messi has had an outstanding season with 17 goals and 15 assists in 18 games and is a finalist for league MVP.
Martino confirmed that Messi would be included in Saturday’s matchday squad but hasn’t decided whether he will start or come off the bench. “On January 20, it would’ve been unthinkable to talk about breaking the points record,” Martino noted, “but now that it’s close, we want to get it. Still, we won’t do anything reckless, as the playoffs start in six days.”
Other players returning from international duty include Diego Gomez (Paraguay), Leo Campana (Ecuador), and Benja Cremaschi (U.S. Under-20). Center back David Martinez, who returned to training two weeks ago after recovering from a groin injury, is ready to play, according to Martino. However, midfielder David Ruiz is sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Saturday’s game is also Fan Appreciation Night, with a Supporters’ Shield ceremony to follow, featuring speeches from club executives and a photo opportunity with the award. Luis Suarez, who has 18 goals and seven assists and is also in the running for MVP, expressed his excitement about winning Miami’s first MLS Cup. He also mentioned that he’s in talks with the club for a contract extension, as his current deal expires in December.
Meanwhile, the New England Revolution, despite a poor season (9-20-4), are determined to spoil Miami’s celebration and protect their 2021 points record. “We’re going to be part of history one way or another,” Revolution coach Caleb Porter said. “Either we help Miami set the record, or we stop it, and that’s what we’re aiming to do.”
New England, sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, is out of playoff contention and has won just once in its last nine games. They are coming off a 4-0 loss to the defending MLS champions, Columbus Crew.
How to Watch: Inter Miami vs. New England Revolution kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The game will be broadcast on Apple TV. Tickets start at $130 on Ticketmaster.