Lionel Messi, already the most decorated player in football history, added another accolade to his glittering career as Inter Miami secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield with a dramatic 3-2 win over reigning Major League Soccer champions, Columbus Crew. The Argentine superstar’s brace in the first half proved crucial in clinching the trophy awarded for the best regular season record in MLS.
Inter Miami’s triumph marks Messi’s 46th career trophy, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The 37-year-old forward, who has been in scintillating form since joining the MLS side in the summer of 2023, once again proved his worth with a man-of-the-match performance at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Messi’s match-winning performance
Messi opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a poorly assembled wall to bend a precise free-kick into the corner, leaving Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte helpless. The goal came after a relatively quiet start for Messi, who had been kept in check for much of the opening half. However, as he has done countless times throughout his illustrious career, Messi found the crucial moment to break the deadlock.
Just minutes later, Messi struck again in the fifth minute of added time, this time finding the back of the net from close range after a well-worked team move. The Argentine’s quick double gave Inter Miami a commanding lead heading into the break and set the tone for a high-intensity second half.
Messi’s long-time friend and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez added a third goal for Miami in the 48th minute, putting the home side firmly in control. Suárez, who joined Inter Miami midway through the season, has formed a formidable partnership with Messi, reminiscent of their days at the Camp Nou.
By Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi
