Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have clinched yet another trophy, securing home-field advantage throughout the Major League Soccer playoffs. Messi netted two goals in the dying minutes of the first half, and goalkeeper Drake Callender saved a penalty in the 84th minute, leading Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over the reigning MLS Cup champions, the Columbus Crew, on Wednesday.
This win also secured the Supporters’ Shield, awarded annually to the team with the best regular-season record.
This marks Messi‘s 46th major trophy, whether for club or country, extending his record as the most decorated men’s footballer in history. It’s also his second trophy with Inter Miami, adding the Supporters’ Shield to the Leagues Cup that the Herons won shortly after Messi joined the club in 2023.
“We knew this was a group that could fight for this”, Messi said.