VIDEOS: Sebastian Giovinco scores 9-minute hat-trick in breathtaking 1st half vs. New York City

Sebastian Giovinco is worth every penny. All 700,000,000 of them per season.

The Toronto FC superstar continued to justify his mammoth Designated Player contract Sunday, scoring a stunning nine-minute hat-trick during a breathtaking opening half against New York City FC - which ended with the Canadian side leading 3-2 going into the break.

Giovinco, who also missed a penalty early in the stanza, stepped up to the spot once again in the 34th minute, this time making no mistake to bring his side back to within a goal.

Then he, and his teammates, turned on the style.

The diminutive Italian doubled his tally and brought his team level at two apiece in the 40th minute, taking a delicious flick from Jackson before firing a wicked strike into the bottom corner.

The 28-year-old, affectionately dubbed the Atomic Ant, saved his best for last, giving TFC the lead in the 43rd minute with an audacious chip over an onrushing Josh Saunders.

Giovinco now has 11 goals in 17 MLS matches with the club. The team's all-time record scorer is Dwayne De Rosario, who found the net 32 times while wearing the all-red kit. Yeah. Giovinco's already closing in.

His trio of goals were also scored in nearly record time, becoming the third-fastest hat-trick in league history.