FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Sometimes sports make evolutionary steps forward, and you might have watched one begin Friday night as Lionel Messi started his first MLS playoffs at Chase Stadium.

FORT LAUDERDALE — Sometimes sports make evolutionary steps forward, and you might have watched one begin Friday night as Lionel Messi started his first MLS playoffs at Chase Stadium. Or maybe ...

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi had chances at goals time and time again, only to keep being denied. Turns out, all he needed to do was deliver the right pass at the right time.

Pink Messi jerseys glow everywhere.</p> <p>Thanks to Messi, MLS’s presence grew beyond borders and Miami became a worldwide brand, much like the Los Angeles Galaxy upon David Beckham’s arrival in 2007 ...

Pink Messi jerseys glow everywhere. Thanks to Messi, MLS’s presence grew beyond borders and Miami became a worldwide brand, much like the Los Angeles Galaxy upon David Beckham’s arrival in 2007.

On-fire Lionel Messi scored his second hat-trick of the week and Luis Suarez scored twice as Inter Miami beat the New England Revolution 6-2 to smash MLS's regular season points record.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have put together the best regular season in Major League Soccer history. Messi had three goals and an assist despite sitting out the first ...

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi checked into the match early in the second half, the score tied and Inter Miami's chances at breaking a pair of Major League Soccer regular-season ...

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have put together the best regular season in Major League Soccer history. Messi had three goals and an assist in the second half alone, Luis Suárez had a pair of ...