Lionel Messi struck twice as Inter Miami edged defending Major League Soccer (MLS) champions Columbus Crew 3-2, securing the Supporters’ Shield and cementing his status as the most decorated men’s football player in history.
Wednesday’s victory marked Messi’s 46th career trophy and Inter Miami’s second major honour since his arrival in 2023, after the Leagues Cup trophy the Herons.
The Argentine legend’s brace, coupled with Luis Suarez’s goal, ensured Inter Miami finished the regular season with the best record.
“We knew this was a group that could fight for this [trophy],” Messi said after the match. “We have a nice opportunity to go down in history and now we think about what is coming,” Messi added.
“We have a great advantage in that we play all the games at home, which was what we were looking for. I think that we are very, very strong at home.”
Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino was delighted with the “dominant” performance by his club. “December 7 is what we want,” Martino said, referring to the MLS Cup final, “but this is not insignificant today.”
Messi’s impressive season has been punctuated by a two-month absence due to an ankle injury and commitments to Argentina’s national team, including their Copa America title win in July. Messi missed 15 of Inter Miami’s MLS matches in 2024.
“Throughout the year we had many, many injuries, where we couldn’t all be together but the group was getting the most out of every tough game,” Messi added.
With two matches remaining, Inter Miami are poised to break the single-season points record. Seventy-four points would be the new benchmark if they defeat Toronto and New England.
The MLS Cup playoffs beckon, with Eastern Conference rivals Columbus Crew potentially awaiting Inter Miami in the knockout stages. For now, Messi and his teammates savour the Supporters’ Shield triumph.
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