Lionel Messi scored a brace in a 3-2 win against Columbus Crew to help Inter Miami win the MLS Supporters' Shield for the first time in their history.
The Argentina international opened the scoring in the fourth minute, collecting Jordi Alba's long pass before chopping on his right foot to prod the ball past Patrick Schulte.
Messi quickly scored his and Inter Miami's second in first-half stoppage time, whipping an unstoppable free kick over the wall and past the unmoved Columbus goalkeeper.
Diego Rossi pulled a goal back within 20 seconds of the restart, before Luis Suarez pounced on Schulte's mistake to restore Miami's two-goal cushion.
The contest continued to deliver plenty of drama as Cucho Hernandez netted a spot kick shortly before Rudy Camacho was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.
Hernandez was given the chance to score another penalty in the 84th minute, only to see his spot kick saved by Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender.
Se disfruta más entre amigos 🏆🩷 pic.twitter.com/XfPgyj97aI
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 3, 2024
Messi clinches record-extending 46th trophy
The penalty save ultimately proved enough to clinch all three points and secure Inter Miami their first-ever Supporters' Shield - which is given to the team with the best regular season record in MLS.
Despite spending time on the sidelines, Messi has played a key part in Inter Miami's success this season, having scored 17 goals and provided 15 assists this season.
For Messi, the Supporters' Shield represents the 46th title that he has won for club or country, extending his record for the most trophies won by a men's player in football history.
It was also the second time that Messi has won a trophy with Inter Miami after he helped the club win the Leagues Cup in 2023.
Adding trophy No. 46 to his record-collection. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/TbdfLYv9jY
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 3, 2024
Messi targeting MLS Cup glory
Having clinched the Supporters' Shield, Tata Martino's side will hold home advantage throughout their playoff campaign.
Messi is now hoping that his teammates can go on to create more "history" by winning Inter Miami's first MLS Cup.
"I am happy, happy that we did it," Messi told Apple TV. "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 Argentine went on to add: "We have a nice opportunity to go down in history, and now we think about what is coming.
"We have a great advantage in that we play all the games at home, which was what we were looking for. I think that we are very, very strong at home."
Inter Miami will conclude their regular season with games against Toronto and New England Revolution before they turn their attention to the serious business of the playoffs.
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