Lionel Messi added another trophy to his illustrious career as Inter Miami secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record, after a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending champions Columbus Crew.
Messi, who has now won 46 career trophies, was instrumental in the win, scoring twice. His first goal came just before halftime when he controlled a long ball into the box, capitalized on a deflection off Columbus defender Malte Amundsen, and slotted it home. Minutes later, Messi doubled Miami’s lead with a perfectly curled free-kick past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
Columbus quickly responded at the start of the second half with Diego Rossi curling a shot into the far corner, but a defensive error by the Crew allowed Luis Suarez to head in Miami’s third goal after Schulte misjudged a clearance. The Crew fought back again, with Cucho Hernandez scoring a penalty after a handball by Noah Allen, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
However, Columbus’ hopes were dashed when Rudy Camacho was sent off for a second yellow card after a reckless challenge. In the closing stages, Hernandez had another opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot, but Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender saved his weak attempt, sealing the win for Miami.
Messi, reflecting on the hard-fought victory, told Apple TV, “I’m happy to achieve the first goal and think about what’s coming. Today was a very tough opponent, the last champion of the Leagues Cup. They are a great team.”
Messi’s latest achievement with Inter Miami strengthens his position as the most decorated player in football history. Despite winning the Supporters’ Shield, Messi emphasized that the team’s main focus is on the MLS Cup title.
“The Shield is a secondary prize. The first objective has been achieved, and now we have to think about what’s next,” he said, noting that Miami will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs as Eastern Conference top seeds.
Inter Miami, with 68 points and two matches left, could set a new single-season points record if they win their remaining games. Meanwhile, Columbus remain second in the Eastern Conference, followed by Cincinnati in third and Orlando in fourth.
With the MLS Cup playoffs looming, the eighth and ninth-placed teams in each conference will compete in the wild card round, while the top four teams enjoy home-field advantage in a “best of three” first-round series. The conference semifinals and finals are single-elimination matches.
As Messi and Miami eye the MLS Cup, the stage is set for a thrilling postseason battle.
