Lionel Messi scored twice including a free kick as Inter Miami defeated the Columbus Crew 3-2 on Wednesday to mathematically secure the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. The Herons now hold an 11-point lead over the Crew with three games to go.
The Supporters' Shield is given to the MLS team with the most points at the end of each regular season.
The latest silverware is the 46th time Messi has won a trophy in his career. Messi’s trophy cabinet now includes two with Inter Miami (2024 Supporters’ Shield and 2023 Leagues Cup) along with a World Cup, two Copa América titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.
No player has more titles than Messi. For those curious, Cristiano Ronaldo has 35 trophies.
Messi lit up Lower.com Field at the end of the first half with two goals in the span of five minutes.
Messi goals vs Columbus Crew
Jordi Alba supplied a beauty of a ball over the top that Messi controlled, regained possession and tucked past USMNT goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
Jordi Alba Leo Messi@InterMiamiCF have the lead! pic.twitter.com/GQMsIdXk7k
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 3, 2024
Minutes later Messi scored one his trademark free kick goals with low shot to beat Schulte again in first-half stoppage time.
MESSIIIIIIIIII!!!
Messi magic again to get his brace. pic.twitter.com/tqT4Md1ydO— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 3, 2024
Messi now has 17 goals in 17 MLS appearances this season. Incredible.
The flurry of goals continued on the other end of the first half with Diego Rossi pulling a goal back for the Crew 20 seconds into the second half.
NOT. SO. FAST.@ColumbusCrew strikes 20 seconds into the second half. We have a game! pic.twitter.com/CcJvGWaZlB
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 3, 2024
The Herons responded immediately with a Luis Suárez headed goal in the 48th minute. Schulte came out to claim a ball but what taken out by his own teammate leaving an empty net for Suárez.
WHAT IS HAPPENING!?!?
Luis Suarez restores Miami's two-goal lead immediately. pic.twitter.com/eCIVR2VCMR— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 3, 2024
Columbus star Cucho Hernández again brought his side within one goal as he scored from the spot in the 61st minute.
Cucho buries the penalty. It's 2-3 in Columbus. Not over yet!
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 3, 2024
The battle became even tougher for the Crew when Rudy Camacho was sent off just two minutes later.
Drake Callender played the hero for Inter Miami in the 84th minute when he saved a penalty kick.
THIS GAME!!!
Cucho denied by Callender! pic.twitter.com/Uk2z777DwL— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 3, 2024
Miami will now have home-field advantage for the playoffs this year.
