Lionel Messi showcased his extraordinary talent once again, scoring two goals to help Inter Miami defeat the Columbus Crew 3-2 and secure the Supporters’ Shield, awarded annually to the team with the best regular-season record in Major League Soccer (MLS). This victory marks the second trophy for Inter Miami since Messi’s arrival, following their Leagues Cup triumph shortly after he joined the club in 2023.
The match, held on October 2, 2024, saw Messi extend his record for the most trophies won by any male football player to 46. His performance not only solidified his status as a football legend but also provided Inter Miami with a critical opportunity for home-field advantage in the upcoming MLS playoffs.
After the match, Messi expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, stating, “We knew this was a group that could fight for this [trophy].” Alongside Messi, Luis Suarez also contributed to the scoreline, further showcasing the team’s attacking prowess. With this victory, Inter Miami is poised to start a best-of-three first-round playoff series during the final weekend of October.
The implications of this win are significant. If Inter Miami succeeds in their playoff series, they will have the advantage of playing all subsequent matches at home, including key matchups such as the Eastern Conference semifinal, scheduled for late November, the East final, and potentially the MLS Cup final on December 7.
Messi remarked on the team’s prospects, saying, “We have a nice opportunity to go down in history… and now we think about what is coming.” He acknowledged the advantage of playing at home, adding, “I think that we are very, very strong at home.”
Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, shared Messi’s enthusiasm, praising the team’s dominant performance. “December 7 is what we want,” he stated, referring to the MLS Cup final, “but this is not insignificant today.”
Throughout the season, Messi faced challenges, missing 15 MLS matches due to various commitments, including international duties with Argentina and a two-month recovery from a serious ankle injury sustained during the Copa America. Despite these setbacks, he emphasized the resilience of the team, noting, “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.”
The championship for MLS is ultimately determined through the playoffs, where Inter Miami could face Columbus Crew again. Following this victory, Inter Miami is also eyeing the possibility of achieving the best regular-season record in MLS history. With 68 points secured from their latest win, the team needs to triumph in their remaining two matches against Toronto and New England to finish with 74 points, setting a new record for a single season.
As the team prepares for the playoffs, the excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. A fan captured the atmosphere at the match, holding a homemade sign for Messi, reflecting the enthusiasm and support that surrounds the Argentine superstar.
Overall, Messi’s contributions and Inter Miami’s recent successes position them as formidable contenders in the MLS playoffs, as they aim to make history and bring home further silverware.
