MLS
Messi leads Inter Miami players on FIFA break
With a hat-trick against Venezuela, Lionel Messi has been Inter Miami’s standout player during the October FIFA break.
The FIFA international break has come to an end, and teams like Inter Miami, who recently secured the Supporters’ Shield by becoming the team with the most points during the 2024 MLS season, return to action to conclude the regular phase. Although they clinched their playoff spot several matchdays ago, they now aim to become the club with the most points in a single season – a record they will achieve if they secure victory against New England, the current holders of that record.
Gerardo Martino’s team returns to action on Saturday, October 19, when they host New England at Chase Stadium as part of the final matchday of the 2024 Major League Soccer regular season. With postseason guaranteed, Martino, whose squad includes players returning from international duty after the FIFA break, will have the flexibility to rotate players as he has done throughout the year, overcoming injuries and other challenges to secure the top spot in the standings.
MLS - Liga USA 2024
| Classification | PTS | WM | TM | LM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Inter Miami CF | 71 | 21 | 8 | 4 |
| 2Columbus Crew | 63 | 18 | 9 | 6 |
| 3FC Cincinnati | 56 | 17 | 5 | 11 |
| Upcoming matches | |
|---|---|
| Inter Miami CF - New England Revolution | S-19/10 18:00 |
*Data updated to date Oct 16th, 2024
Inter Miami players representing their countries
Four Inter Miami players were on international duty during the FIFA break: Lionel Messi with Argentina, Diego Gómez with Paraguay, Leonardo Campana with Ecuador, and Benjamin Cremaschi, who played for the US U-20 team. Now, it’s time for them to return to North America and focus on securing their third title in the club’s short history.
Messi drew the attention of football fans worldwide with a stunning performance in Argentina’s commanding victory against Bolivia, where he netted a hat-trick and provided two assists. At 37 years old, he continues to prove he’s one of the most decisive players whenever the ball is at his feet.
Paraguay had a goalless draw against Ecuador and then defeated Venezuela 2-1 during their two October FIFA break matches. Diego Gómez started in the win against Venezuela, playing 80 minutes and leaving a positive impression, while his club teammate, Leo Campana, came on in the 66th minute of the first match but remained unused against Uruguay.
Cremaschi, meanwhile, stood out for the U20s, scoring two goals across two friendly matches against Chile. The US won the first game 3-0 but fell 2-1 in the second.