Lionel Messi Leads Inter Miami to First MLS Supporters’ Shield with Victory Over Columbus Crew

Lionel Messi expressed his happiness after Inter Miami CF clinched the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night at Lower.com Field in Ohio. The Argentine superstar scored two goals, while his longtime teammate Luis Suárez added another, as Miami held on to secure the trophy despite playing with 10 men for the final 27 minutes.

In a postgame interview with Apple TV, Messi said, “I am happy. Happy that we did it. At the beginning of the year we knew that this was a group to fight for this. We took charge from the beginning, we had the players to do this. I am happy to secure the first objective, and we’re thinking of the next.”

The Herons claimed their first piece of MLS silverware since joining the league as an expansion franchise in 2020, amassing an impressive 68 points in 32 games. The team’s meteoric rise in 2024 can be largely attributed to the contributions of Messi and Suárez, who have accounted for 35 of the team’s 72 goals in 31 matches.

Messi credited coach Gerardo Martino and the arrival of key players for the team’s success, saying, “I think since the arrival of Gerardo Martino and us [Jordi Alba, Suarez and Sergio Busquets], the idea was clear to be protagonist and chase the ball, have the ball and possession. Important players arrived to grow the team in terms of the game and personality. We try to compete in every game.”

The 2024 Supporters’ Shield becomes Messi’s second trophy with Inter Miami and the 46th title of his illustrious career, which includes numerous accolades such as 10 LaLiga trophies, four Champions League triumphs, two Copa América titles, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Coach Martino expressed his satisfaction with the team’s achievement, stating, “I’ve been here one year, I’m happy that we’ve been able to win two titles with him.”

By winning the Supporters’ Shield, Inter Miami not only secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs but also remains on course to potentially break the league’s record for most points in a regular season, currently held by the New England Revolution with 73 points in 2021.