Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to victory against the MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew. After scoring two goals in the final minutes of the first half and an incredible save by goalie Drake Callender, Miami wrapped up the game 3-2. This victory earned the team the Supporters Shield, an annual award given to the team with the best record in regular season. This is Messi’s 46th trophy for club or country and second with Inter Miami, following the Leagues Cup trophy the team won shortly after Messi joined the club in 2023.
Along with the Supporters Shield, Inter Miami also earned the home-field advantage for the Major League Soccer playoffs. Should the team win the best of three first-round playoff series, it will have the privilege of hosting its games for the rest of the season at home. This includes an Eastern Conference semifinal, the East final and potentially the MLS Cup final. Reflecting on this opportunity, Messi stated that Inter Miami had the potential to make history and considered the home advantage a significant benefit.
Inter Miami is close to achieving the best MLS regular-season record ever. With a record of 20-4-8 this season, resulting in a total of 68 points, Miami only needs to win their last two matches to finish with 74 points. The current record holder, New England, finished with 73 points in 2021.
Messi’s first goal came in the 45th minute, with a long pass from Jordi Alba, his former teammate at Barcelona. Messi split two defenders and managed to sneak the ball past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. A few minutes later, Messi scored again with a 30-yard free kick to give Miami a 2-0 lead. Columbus managed to halve the lead at the beginning of the second half with a goal by Diego Rossi, but Miami quickly restored their two-goal lead when Suarez sent a header into an open net.
Despite Columbus getting within striking distance with a penalty kick in the 61st minute by Juan Hernandez, they failed to maintain their momentum. Columbus went down to ten men after Rudy Camacho received his second yellow card in the 63rd minute. Columbus had further chances to equalize, but those were thwarted by Miami’s goalie, Callender, who made a crucial save in the 84th minute. This save and Messi’s two-goal contribution steered Miami to victory.
Messi praised the team’s resilience throughout the season, despite injuries and his two-month absence due to an ankle injury. This victory eliminates the chances of the LA Galaxy and the Crew overtaking Miami in the race for the Supporters Shield. Cincinnati, nine points behind Miami, was also ruled out. Miami’s coach, Gerardo Martino, is pleased with the team’s achievement but remains focused on the MLS cup final scheduled for December 7th.
