Teenage forward Julian Hall made Major League Soccer history by becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick during Red Bull New York's thrilling 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew. At just 18 years and 50 days old, Hall found the net twice in the first half and once in the second, bringing his total to nine league goals in 13 appearances this season.

Previously, the record was held by former FC Dallas striker Ricardo Pepi, who scored a hat-trick at 18 years and 196 days against LA Galaxy in 2021. Hall made his MLS debut at the age of 15 in 2023 and has also represented the United States at under-15 and under-17 levels, with eligibility to play for Poland internationally.

After the match, Hall expressed his emotions, stating, "I got kind of emotional" upon learning of his record. He reflected, "It just makes me think about all the times I was working so hard to make memories like this."

Head coach Michael Bradley praised Hall, saying he has enjoyed "every second" of working with him, calling him "a great kid". Bradley added, "Nothing's going in his head. He comes in every day ready to work, ready to train, ready to listen. He has a great personality."

Currently, Red Bull New York sits sixth in the Eastern Conference, tied on 18 points with New York City, who they face on Saturday.

In other Eastern Conference action, Lionel Messi scored two goals and provided an assist in Inter Miami's 5-3 win over Cincinnati, placing them second in the table, just two points behind leaders Nashville. Messi, who thought he had scored his 61st career hat-trick, had a late goal attributed as an own goal by Cincinnati's goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

Meanwhile, Cavan Sullivan, aged 16, netted his first MLS goal despite Philadelphia Union's 4-3 defeat against Orlando City. Sullivan, the youngest-ever MLS player two years ago, expressed gratitude on Instagram, saying, "You fans deserve more and you will get more."