Lionel Messi added to his illustrious career by securing his 46th trophy after a stellar performance in Inter Miami’s 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew.
This win clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield for Miami, marking a historic first for the club.
With Messi scoring twice in the first half and Luis Suárez netting after the break, Miami confirmed their place in the playoffs, capping off a remarkable turnaround since Messi’s arrival.
Despite efforts from Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernández, Columbus Crew couldn’t recover, especially after Rudy Camacho’s red card in the 63rd minute left them playing with ten men.
This victory not only delivered the MLS Supporters’ Shield to Inter Miami but also solidified their position as one of the league’s most dominant teams, a stark contrast to the squad’s early struggles at the bottom of the table just months before.
Messi’s impact has been profound since his move to the United States. After joining Miami in the summer of 2023, he led them to a Leagues Cup victory and now, another prestigious piece of silverware.
The Herons have collected 68 points with two games remaining, positioning themselves within reach of breaking the all-time MLS record for most points in a regular season.
New England Revolution currently holds that record with 73 points, but Miami’s two remaining games offer them a chance to surpass it. By already securing home-field advantage throughout the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, Inter Miami has reinforced their dominance.
Although Messi missed nearly two months due to an ankle injury, his return has been nothing short of remarkable.
He has contributed 17 goals and 15 assists in just 17 appearances, proving once again his ability to influence games at the highest level. His leadership and ability to elevate the players around him have made Miami nearly unstoppable.
Messi’s latest triumph comes on the heels of a successful international campaign with Argentina, where he won the Copa América in July 2024. Now, with his eye on the MLS Cup on December 7, Messi has the opportunity to extend his trophy count to an incredible 47.
Prior to his move to Inter Miami, Messi enjoyed a trophy-laden career with FC Barcelona, where he won 35 titles, including four UEFA Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships.
His brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain added three more titles, while his international accolades with Argentina include two Copa Américas, the Finalissima, and, most notably, the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The MLS Supporters’ Shield underscores Messi’s unmatched ability to impact the game wherever he goes. As he continues to break records and set new standards, the football world watches as the most decorated player in history pushes for yet another title before the year’s end.
