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Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass, scoring twice as Inter Miami defeated reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew 3-2, securing the prestigious MLS Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record.
After a quiet start, Messi sprang to life in the 45th minute, chesting down a long ball in the box and capitalizing on a fortunate bounce off Columbus defender Malte Amundsen to put Miami ahead. Moments later, Messi doubled the lead with a stunning free-kick, expertly curling the ball past a stationary Patrick Schulte in the Columbus goal.
Messi, returning from a two-month injury layoff, now boasts 17 goals and 15 assists in just 17 matches.
Columbus fought back quickly, with Diego Rossi pulling a goal back seconds into the second half, curling a shot into the far corner. However, a defensive mix-up between Schulte and Rudy Camacho gifted Luis Suarez the opportunity to head into an empty net, restoring Miami’s two-goal lead.
Columbus reduced the deficit again when Cucho Hernández converted a penalty following a handball by Noah Allen, but their momentum was halted when Camacho was sent off for a second yellow card. The Crew were handed another chance to level in the 83rd minute after a VAR-awarded penalty for handball, but Hernández’s weak effort was saved by Miami keeper Drake Callender, securing the win and the Shield for Inter Miami.
Messi praised his team’s resilience after the match, telling Apple TV: “I’m happy to achieve the first goal and think about what’s coming. Today was a very tough opponent. We knew it, they are the last champion, of the Leagues Cup. They are a great team.”
Inter Miami have secured top seeding for the MLS playoffs and home-field advantage throughout. Although Messi called the Shield a “secondary” prize, he acknowledged that the main goal remains the MLS Cup.
