Inter Miami wins Supporters’ Shield/ Messi leads Inter Miami/ MLS playoffs/ Messi and Suarez shine for Inter Miami/ Newslooks/ FORT LAUDERDALE/ FLORIDA/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield after a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew. Messi scored twice, and Luis Suarez netted the game-winner. Though thrilled with the win, Messi emphasized that the team’s focus remains on capturing the MLS Cup.
Messi and Inter Miami Secure Supporters’ Shield, Shift Focus to MLS Cup: Quick Looks
- Supporters’ Shield Victory: Inter Miami, led by Messi, clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield with a 3-2 win over Columbus.
- Messi’s Leadership: Messi scored twice, bringing his MLS season total to 17 goals in 17 games.
- Playoff Ambitions: The team, while proud of their achievement, remains focused on winning the MLS Cup.
- Record in Sight: With two matches remaining, Inter Miami has a chance to break the MLS points record set by New England in 2021.
- Squad Contributions: Luis Suarez scored the match-winning goal, and goalkeeper Drake Callender made critical saves, including a penalty stop.
Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Clinches MLS Supporters’ Shield
Deep Look
Inter Miami secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night, marking another historic moment for a franchise that has skyrocketed to prominence since the arrival of Lionel Messi. The win solidifies Miami as the No. 1 seed in the upcoming MLS Cup playoffs, capping off a spectacular regular season.
Messi’s Impact and the Road to Victory
Messi, alongside longtime teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, has revitalized Inter Miami since his arrival in 2023. The four former Barcelona stars have transformed the team, bringing them from a struggling franchise to the top of Major League Soccer.
On Wednesday, Messi’s influence was once again undeniable. The Argentine superstar scored twice, pushing his season tally to 17 goals in 17 MLS matches. His second-half efforts, combined with Suarez’s match-winning goal, powered Miami to a victory in what was one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Messi’s joy was evident after the win. “I’m happy for this group,” he said, but quickly added that their ultimate focus is on bigger goals. “We still have more to go after in the playoffs,” said Drake Callender, the team’s goalkeeper who made four crucial saves, including a penalty stop that preserved Miami’s lead.
A Season of Transformation
Inter Miami’s rise to dominance began with Messi’s shocking announcement in June 2023 that he would be joining the South Florida club. Soon after, Busquets and Alba followed suit, forming a core group of experienced players who had previously won titles together at Barcelona. The arrival of Suarez in December further cemented Miami’s status as MLS Cup favorites.
This season, the team went 20-4-8, accumulating 68 points with two games left. While the Supporters’ Shield is a testament to their regular-season success, the ultimate prize remains the MLS Cup.
“The idea was clear from the start,” Messi said of the team’s strategy. “We wanted to control possession and challenge opponents through our style of play. Key players arrived, and they elevated the team in terms of gameplay, personality, and competitiveness.”
Looking Ahead: Chasing Records and the MLS Cup
Though the Supporters’ Shield is a prestigious honor, Inter Miami is already looking ahead to the MLS Cup playoffs. With two regular-season games remaining — against Toronto and New England — Miami has a shot at breaking the league’s points record of 73, set by New England in 2021.
While Messi is expected to play for Argentina in World Cup qualifying matches on Oct. 10 and Oct. 15, his availability for Inter Miami’s Oct. 19 match against New England remains uncertain. Still, Messi downplayed the importance of breaking the record, stating, “I believe surpassing the points record is secondary. While we have a nice opportunity to make history, I think it matters less.”
A Team Built on Grit
Inter Miami’s journey to the top of MLS mirrors the city of Miami itself — a story of grit, resilience, and determination. Manager A.J. Hinch often spoke of building a team the city could be proud of, and the club’s dramatic rise since Messi’s arrival embodies that vision. “Our city is built on grit,” Hinch said. “We wanted to have a team that this city is proud of, and I think we’ve achieved that.”
Miami’s focus now shifts to the MLS Cup, where Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and Alba will aim to complete their transformation from a struggling franchise to a championship team. After winning the Leagues Cup last year and now the Supporters’ Shield, one more trophy remains to cap off a fairytale season.
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