Lionel Messi, the forward for Inter Miami, played a crucial role in securing the club’s first-ever MLS Supporters’ Shield with two goals in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew.
Messi opened the scoring early with a close-range strike and extended the lead just before halftime with an exquisite free-kick.
Columbus Crew’s Diego Rossi responded by scoring to reduce the deficit, but Inter Miami quickly regained their two-goal advantage with a goal from Luis Suarez, a former Liverpool forward.
Although Cucho Hernandez converted a penalty for the Crew, Miami successfully maintained their lead.
This win guarantees that Inter Miami will finish at the top of the table, marking their first Supporters’ Shield triumph since their establishment in 2020.
With this latest accolade, Messi adds the 46th trophy to his illustrious collection, which includes titles from both club and international competitions.
By securing the top position, Miami has also ensured home-field advantage for the upcoming playoff matches.
“The first objective has been achieved, and now we have to think about what’s next,” said Messi.
“The first round is three games, but then it’s one game and anything can happen. But we have the great advantage of playing all the games at home, which is what we were looking for. We are very strong at home.”
Miami needs two wins from their final two league matches to beat the MLS record for most points in a regular season, which currently stands at the 73 amassed by the New England Revolution in 2021.