Lionel Messi found the net twice as Inter Miami triumphed over the defending MLS champions, Columbus Crew, 3-2. This victory secured the Supporters’ Shield for Miami and awarded the team with the top regular-season performance. After the match, the Argentine player said that this was Miami’s first objective, and they were already looking ahead to the next one.
Messi Says Inter Miami Achieves ‘First Objective’
Lionel Messi stated that Inter Miami CF has achieved its first goal of the 2024 MLS season by winning the Supporters’ Shield with a 3-2 win against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night. After the match, Messi spoke to Apple TV:
“I am happy. “Happy that we did it. At the beginning of the year we knew that this was a group to fight for this. We took charge from the beginning, we had the players to do this. I am happy to secure the first objective, and we’re thinking of the next.”
Messi netted a brace, and Luis Suárez chipped in with one more as Miami managed to secure the win after the Crew’s Rudy Camacho received a red card in the 63rd minute. Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender made a crucial penalty save from Cucho Hernández in the 84th minute, helping his team secure all three points. The Herons clinched the trophy with 68 points from 32 matches, marking their first MLS silverware since they started as an expansion team in 2020. Inter Miami lifted the first-ever Leagues Cup in 2023, but the Supporters Shield is their first trophy since joining MLS.
Miami Dominant Since Messi’s Arrival
Inter Miami shot up the ranks in 2024 thanks to the impact of Messi and Suárez in their first full seasons with the squad. The strikers have scored 35 of the team’s 72 goals in 31 games.
“I think since the arrival of [coach] Gerardo Martino and us [Jordi Alba, Suarez and Sergio Busquets], the idea was clear to be protagonist and chase the ball, have the ball and possession. Important players arrived to grow the team in terms of the game and personality. We try to compete in every game,” Messi said.
Even with Messi missing some matches due to injury and international commitments, the Argentine star is still the top player for Inter Miami, leading the team in both assists and goals after just 16 games. Messi has now lifted the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, marking his second trophy with the club and the 46th title of his career. He has a fantastic record with 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League wins, two Copa América championships, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, among other honors.
“I’ve been here one year, I’m happy that we’ve been able to win two titles with him,” Martino said.
The Supporters Shield is one of the top trophies in MLS, along with the MLS Cup. It’s awarded to the team that finishes the regular season with the best overall record, recognizing their strong performance over 34 matches.
Conclusion
In Major League Soccer, sixteen teams have claimed the Supporters’ Shield. The LA Galaxy and D.C. United are at the top, each with four titles to their name. Inter Miami clinched the Shield, giving them the edge of playing at home for the entire playoffs. Inter Miami is on track to break the league’s record for the highest points in a regular season. The New England Revolution set the bar high with 73 points in the 2021 season. However, Miami has a chance to break that record if they win their last two matches.
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