Inter Miami has won the Supporters' Shield for the first time in franchise history thanks to a spectacular double from in a . The Supporters' Shield, an annual accolade awarded to the team with the best regular-season record, marks the second trophy for since its inception in January 2018. Messi was instrumental in Miami's Leagues Cup triumph last summer, just a month after his landmark signing was announced.
Heading into Wednesday's showdown, Miami needed a win to clinch the regular-season title. Messi kicked off the scoring 40 minutes in and then beautifully curled a free-kick into the top-left corner just before halftime. Columbus replied moments after the restart, with Diego Rossi netting a close-range goal within 25 seconds of the second half.
then re-established Miami's two-goal lead, capitalizing on a goalkeeper blunder to head into an unguarded net. Columbus were subsequently granted two penalties, both taken by star striker Cucho Hernandez. He converted the first but missed the second, allowing Miami to narrowly edge one of the most memorable regular-season games in MLS history.
In doing so they secured the double over Columbus this season, a team they're likely to face in the MLS Cup Playoffs. In the wake of the victory, Messi celebrated the 46th trophy of his professional career, and has now scored 29 goals for Miami since his transfer last summer. With two matches still left in the regular season, manager Tata Martino has the luxury of being able to rest his key p.
