Lionel Messi Leads Inter Miami to Another Trophy and Secures Home-Field Advantage in MLS Playoffs
Lionel Messi continues to make history with Inter Miami. The club has added the prestigious Supporters’ Shield to its growing list of accomplishments, ensuring home-field advantage throughout the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs. In a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending MLS Cup champions, Columbus Crew, Messi scored twice in the final moments of the first half, while goalie Drake Callender made a crucial penalty save to secure the win.
Messi’s Record-Breaking News Triumph
With this latest triumph, Messi extended his record for the most major trophies won by any male soccer player, capturing his 46th title for club or country. This is Messi’s second trophy with Inter Miami, following the Leagues Cup victory shortly after his arrival in 2023.
“We knew this was a group that could fight for this,” Messi said confidently after the match, showing his leadership both on and off the field.
Inter Miami now shifts focus to the playoffs. They will open a best-of-three first-round series at the end of October, with their sights set on advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals, the East final, and potentially the MLS Cup final scheduled for December 7. Their victory over Columbus secures the right to host all playoff matches, a reward for their impressive season.
A Dominant Performance
Messi’s brilliance was on full display in the game against Columbus Crew. He opened the scoring in the 45th minute after receiving a long pass from Jordi Alba, his former Barcelona teammate. The goal was a masterclass in precision, splitting two defenders and beating Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte for a 1-0 lead. Just minutes later, Messi struck again from a free kick around 30 yards out, catching the goalkeeper off-guard and extending the lead to 2-0 at halftime.
Columbus responded quickly in the second half with Diego Rossi cutting the lead to 2-1. However, Inter Miami regained their momentum when Luis Suarez took advantage of a defensive error, heading the ball into an empty net to restore the two-goal cushion.
Despite Columbus narrowing the gap once more with a penalty goal by Juan “Cucho” Hernández, Inter Miami held their ground. The Crew’s chances diminished further when Rudy Camacho received a red card in the 63rd minute, forcing them to play with 10 men. Callender’s standout performance, including a pivotal penalty save in the 84th minute, preserved the victory.
Eyes on MLS History
Inter Miami’s victory improves their record to 20-4-8, with 68 points this season. With two matches remaining, the team is focused on breaking the MLS single-season points record of 73, set by New England in 2021, further showcasing their determination.
Messi, who has scored 17 goals in 17 league matches this season, highlighted the team’s resilience, stating, “Throughout the year, we had many injuries, where we couldn’t all be together … but the group was getting the most out of every tough game.”
Looking Ahead
With their eyes set on the MLS Cup final on December 7, Messi and Inter Miami aim to cement their legacy in MLS history. Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino acknowledged the significance of their latest achievement but emphasized, “December 7 is what we want. But this is not insignificant today.”
As the team gears up for the final two regular-season matches, Messi and his teammates remain focused on their ultimate goal: winning the MLS championship.