Lionel Messi once again proved his match-winning ability, scoring twice as Inter Miami defeated defending Major League Soccer champions, the Columbus Crew, 3-2 in a thrilling encounter to clinch the coveted Supporters’ Shield for the best regular season record.
Messi, who had been quiet for much of the first half, made his mark in the 45th minute. After chesting down a long ball in the box, he capitalized on a deflection off Crew defender Malte Amundsen to slot the ball home, giving Miami the lead. Moments later, Messi doubled the advantage with a trademark free-kick, curling the ball into the top corner past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who was left rooted to the spot.
Columbus, however, fought back immediately after halftime, with Diego Rossi pulling a goal back for the visitors just 20 seconds into the second half. Rossi skillfully curled a shot into the far corner, making it 2-1. But Miami quickly responded, with Schulte’s miscommunication with defender Rudy Camacho leading to Luis Suarez heading into an open net to restore Miami’s two-goal cushion.
The Crew continued to push, and they were rewarded with a penalty after Noah Allen handled the ball inside the box. Cucho Hernandez converted from the spot, bringing the score to 3-2 and setting up a tense finish. However, Columbus’ hopes of an equalizer were dashed when Camacho was sent off after a studs-up challenge on Federico Redondo.
With just seven minutes remaining, the Crew were handed another lifeline when Ian Fray was penalized for handball following a VAR review. But this time, Hernandez’s penalty was weak, and Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender made a crucial save to secure victory and the Supporters’ Shield for Inter Miami.
Speaking after the match, Messi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s accomplishment but emphasized that the Shield was just the first step toward their ultimate goal. “I’m happy to achieve the first goal and think about what’s coming. Today was a very tough opponent. They are the last champion, and we suffered until the end, which shows what this team is,” Messi told Apple TV.
Messi’s triumph with Inter Miami marks the 46th trophy of his illustrious career, solidifying his position as the most decorated player in football history.
Inter Miami, now with 68 points and two matches remaining, have secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s top seed. If they win their remaining games, they could set a new single-season points record.
The playoffs are set to be highly competitive, with Columbus, currently second in the East, likely to face Miami again in the MLS Cup playoffs. Other Eastern Conference teams, including Cincinnati, Orlando, and Charlotte, have also secured playoff spots.
While Messi acknowledged the importance of the Supporters’ Shield, he made it clear that the MLS Cup title remains the main objective for the team. “The first objective has been achieved, and now we have to think about what’s next. We are very strong at home, and having home-field advantage gives us the best chance to win,” he added.
