Messi’s Hat-Trick of Assists Powers Inter Miami’s 4-1 Win in Busquets Tribute. Messi helped Inter Miami win with a stunning performance that lit up Chase Stadium. On Saturday night, the Argentine maestro led the team to a 4-1 win against the New England Revolution.
Lionel Messi set up braces for Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende with three perfect passes, bringing the Herons closer to playoff glory. The spectators also had a poignant send-off for the retiring icon Sergio Busquets.
From the first whistle, the night was full with memories. Busquets, the midfield stalwart who came to Miami two summers ago with Messi, had a guard of honour from his teammates and a moving stroll into the tunnel beneath the Fort Lauderdale lights.
The 37-year-old Spaniard, who just led Barcelona to 32 titles, has been the silent force behind Inter’s Leagues Cup win and last year’s Supporters’ Shield win. As he waved to the 21,000 supporters who were cheering, banners that said “Gracias Busi” unfurled.
This was a tribute to the man whose vision and calmness changed the face of a new team. Messi quickly stole the show. In the 14th minute, he glided past two players and sent a low shot that Alba turned into a goal with a perfect finish, setting the crowd on fire.
Eight minutes later, Messi sent a curling cross from the right that found Allende open at the back post for 2–0. “Leo’s passes aren’t just accurate; they’re invitations to score,” said coach Javier Mascherano after the game, his eyes shining with delight.
Miami was up by a lot at halftime because of Busquets’ steady presence on defence, which stopped New England’s quick attacks. In the second half, there was a momentary scare when Revolution striker Carles Gil scored in the 58th minute, heading in a corner to make it 2-1.
But Messi’s wizardry calmed everyone down. He sent a 40-yard diagonal ball to Alba, who volleyed it into the top corner for his second goal of the night only two minutes later. Then, in the 72nd minute, Messi finished his hat trick of assists with a sneaky no-look pass to Allende, who blasted it past goalie Matt Turner to make it 4-1.
The GOAT has scored 24 goals and assisted on 17 others this season, for a total of 41 efforts that hint at another historic season, even if the Shield is slipping away. The Busquets goodbye off the field made many cry.
There was a film montage on the jumbotron with tributes from old flames: Pep Guardiola called him “the brain of my best teams”, while Xavi Hernandez said, “Busi, you made us dream.”
“Brother, your legacy will live on,” Iniesta said. What about Messi? He said, “Thank you, Busi, for all these years you’ve given us in football,” and the crowd became silent. From Camp Nou until here, it’s all class. After the whistle blew, the two hugged for a long time on the pitch, with Messi’s arm over his partner’s shoulder and confetti falling all around them.
Busquets, always the thinker, spoke to the faithful with his usual modesty. He remarked, “Miami gave me two amazing years, trophies, friends, and now this,” pointing to the audience. “I’ll take a break, recharge, and then I’ll start coaching.” The game isn’t over for me yet.
Mascherano said, “We’ve got the blueprint from legends like him and Leo.” His leaving leaves a hole. Playoffs? “We’re made for it.” People on social media were amazed. One fan posted a video of Messi’s third assist and said, “Chess while others play checkers—GOAT mode activated!”
Another video shows the Busquets ovation: “Pasillo de honour makes me cry.” From the Barça dynasty to the Miami magic, respect will last forever. Even neutrals weighed in, with a Revolution fan commenting, “Gil’s goal was fire, but Messi’s vision? Not able to be touched. Miami is an issue in October.”
This wasn’t simply a triumph for Inter Miami; it was like a coronation. With four games remaining, they are in third place in the East and are looking to make a long run. New England, on the other hand, goes home with their tails between their legs, their hopes for the playoffs dwindling after a tough but not very good performance.