Lionel Messi Shines as Inter Miami Clinches 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield

In a thrilling encounter at Lower.com Field, Lionel Messi‘s remarkable performance played a vital role in Inter Miami‘s 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew on Wednesday. The win secured Inter Miami the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.

Both teams remained scoreless throughout a tense first half until Messi made his mark just before halftime. In the 45th minute, the Argentine forward maneuvered past two Crew defenders inside the box and slipped the ball past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, giving Miami a 1-0 lead.

Moments later, Messi capitalized on another opportunity. Awarded a free kick just outside the Columbus box, he expertly curled the ball around the wall, doubling Miami’s lead. Despite the setback, Columbus’s Diego Rossi responded quickly, cutting the deficit to 2-1 with a goal in the 46th minute.

Inter Miami swiftly restored their two-goal advantage in the 48th minute. A misunderstanding between Crew players Schulte and Rudy Camacho resulted in a loose ball, which Luis Suarez converted, extending Miami’s lead to 3-1.

The home side’s Cucho Hernandez brought Columbus back into contention with a penalty goal at the 61-minute mark after a handball by Miami’s Federico Redondo. Columbus pushed hard for an equalizer, but Hernandez saw his second penalty attempt saved by Miami’s goalkeeper Drake Callender in the 84th minute.

Columbus faced further adversity when Camacho was sent off with a second yellow card in the 64th minute, reducing them to ten players. Despite the disadvantage, they continued to seek opportunities, notably from forward Jacen Russell-Rowe and midfielder Alex Matan, though without success.

Messi’s presence in Columbus marked his first match against the Crew, and although he faced criticism recently for appearing out-of-form post-injury, he demonstrated his resilience and skill throughout the game. His contributions proved crucial in securing the victory and the Supporters’ Shield for Inter Miami.

With 68 points from their latest win, Inter Miami remains unmatched in the standings, ensuring home-field advantage in the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs. Messi’s influence since his arrival in July 2023 has been instrumental in the team’s success, earning recognition for Inter Miami, which began its MLS journey in 2020.