Messi Magic Powers Inter Miami to Historic Supporters’ Shield Win

For the first time in club history, Inter Miami CF has clinched the Supporters’ Shield, marking a milestone for a team that has undergone a dramatic transformation since Lionel Messi’s arrival. In a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew, Messi’s brilliance, along with a goal from Luis Suárez and a crucial penalty save by Drake Callender, sealed the club’s historic achievement. The win secured the best record in the 2024 MLS regular season, granting Miami home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The game started with Columbus pressing hard, but Messi’s magic broke the deadlock just before halftime. In the 45th minute, a pinpoint pass from Jordi Alba found Messi, who, despite pressure from two defenders, expertly controlled the ball with his chest before calmly slotting it into the net. Moments later, Messi doubled the lead with a sublime free-kick, bending the ball around the wall and into the goal in stoppage time.

Columbus responded early in the second half, with Diego Rossi narrowing the gap. However, Inter Miami regained control when Suárez capitalized on a loose ball in the box, heading it into the net to restore a two-goal cushion. Though the Crew’s ‘Cucho’ Hernández converted a penalty to make it 3-2, Callender’s heroic penalty save in the 84th minute preserved the lead, securing Inter Miami’s victory.

This win symbolized Messi’s monumental impact on a club that had been struggling at the bottom of the MLS standings before his arrival. Messi’s leadership, along with Suárez’s contributions and Callender’s heroics, have transformed Inter Miami. Under head coach Tata Martino, the squad has gelled, with Messi’s 17 regular-season goals and 15 assists driving their resurgence.

In less than a year, Messi has helped guide the Herons from last place to the pinnacle of the league, capturing the Leagues Cup and now the Supporters’ Shield. Messi’s addition has instilled confidence, elevated the level of play, and made the club a legitimate contender for the 2024 MLS Cup. Messi has brought millions of new fans to MLS as Inter Miami’s attednace metrics keep breaking records and he continues to sell out stadiums all over North America. In fact, this game against Columbus Crew was the most watched MLS game ever.

With this triumph, Inter Miami now shifts focus to the upcoming Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, where they will host a playoff match for the first time in the club’s history. The team also secured a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the opportunity to further cement their dominance by potentially breaking the MLS single-season points record, currently held by the New England Revolution.

As Inter Miami heads into the postseason, Messi remains optimistic. “We have a significant advantage since we’ll be playing all our matches at home, which is what we were aiming for,” Messi said after the game. “I think we are very strong at home… and now we just have to prove it.”

With Messi at the helm, Inter Miami. Is confident and laser focused as they prepare for a deep playoff run. This Supporters’ Shield is a testament to Messi’s individual brilliance and shows the collective strength of a team that has rapidly become one of the most formidable forces in MLS. All eyes are now on the playoffs as Messi and Inter Miami seek to add the MLS Cup to their growing trophy cabinet.

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