World Cup winner Lionel Messi scored two goals for Inter Miami as they clinched the Major League Soccer (MLS) Supporters’ Shield after defeating 10-man Columbus Crew 3-2 at the Lower.com Field in Ohio.
The Argentina international opened the scoring with a close-range finish in the 45th minutes before bagging his second goal of the game five minutes into first-half stoppage time with a stunning free kick.
FINAAAAL EN COLUMBUS 💗🖤 pic.twitter.com/t64lrrO3F4
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 3, 2024
Diego Rossi, however, halved the deficit for the hosts in the 46th minute before Luis Suarez restored Inter Miami’s two-goal lead two minutes later. Although Cucho Hernandez scored a penalty for Columbus in the 61st minute, the visitors held on for the win.
The Supporters’ Shield, which is handed annually to the team with the best record at the end of the regular MLS season, takes Messi’s career trophy haul to a record-extending 46, the most by any men’s football player in history.
SUPPORTERS’ SHIELD CHAMPIONS! 🏆🛡️ pic.twitter.com/Dcfk2RYFSO
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 3, 2024
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner clinched his second title in the MLS, having previously won the League Cup trophy in 2023 shortly after his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
Miami secured home advantage for the postseason play-offs after finishing atop the MLS standings with 68 points amassed from 32 matches. They will be aiming to surpass the league record for most points (73) in a regular season, which is currently held by New England Revolution after the 2021 season.
