Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have secured another trophy, in addition to earning home-field advantage throughout the Major League Soccer playoffs.
Messi netted two goals in the last minutes of the first half, with goalkeeper Drake Callender making a crucial penalty kick save in the 84th minute as Inter Miami emerged victorious against the defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew with a score of 3-2 on Wednesday night, clinching the Supporters Shield awarded annually to the team with the best regular-season record.
This win marked Messi’s 46th major trophy won for club or country, solidifying his record as the player with the most trophies in men’s soccer history. It is his second triumph with Inter Miami, adding to the Leagues Cup trophy that the team secured shortly after Messi’s arrival in 2023.
“We knew this was a group that could fight for this,” Messi expressed.
Luis Suárez also contributed a goal for Inter Miami, who will kick off a best-of-three first-round playoff series in the final weekend of October. A victory in that series would grant them the right to host all their remaining matches this season – an Eastern Conference semifinal, the East final, and the MLS Cup final.
“We have a great opportunity to make history… and now we focus on what lies ahead,” Messi shared on Apple TV post-match. “Having all the games at home gives us a significant advantage, which was our aim. I believe we are extremely strong at home.”
Inter Miami is also within reach of the best MLS regular-season mark ever. With Wednesday’s victory, Inter Miami boasts a record of 20-4-8 this season, totaling 68 points. A win in their final two matches could see them finishing with 74 points, inching closer to New England’s single-season points record of 73 set in 2021.
Despite some challenges faced, Inter Miami displayed strength in securing the win, with Messi leading the charge with his exceptional performance.
Messi scored the opening goal in the 45th minute, showcasing his skill and teamwork with Jordi Alba. He further extended the lead with a free kick in stoppage time, securing a 2-0 advantage for Inter Miami.
Diego Rossi put Columbus on the board early in the second half, but Inter Miami swiftly responded to restore their two-goal lead through a header by Suárez.
Despite Columbus’ efforts to narrow the gap, Inter Miami’s resilience and Callender’s crucial saves ensured their victory and secured the Supporters Shield for the team.
Messi’s impactful performance further solidified his influence on the field, highlighting his importance to Inter Miami’s success in the season.
Inter Miami’s journey in MLS play this season, with Messi as a key player, is a testament to their resilience and determination in overcoming challenges to emerge victorious.
The Crew, LA Galaxy, and Cincinnati are now vying for second place in the race for the Supporters Shield, with Inter Miami firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat.
“Dec. 7 is our target,” Martino stated, referring to the date of the MLS Cup final. “But today’s victory is not to be underestimated.”
Columbus vs. Inter Miami CF Highlights | MLS on FOX
Reporting by The Associated Press.
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