Lionel Messi Wins His First Trophy of the Season as Inter Miami Lift the Supporters’ Shield

Lionel Messi delivered yet another dazzling performance, netting twice to inspire Inter Miami to a pulsating 3-2 triumph over defending MLS champions Columbus Crew, securing the 2024 Supporters' Shield. This victory marks Messi's first silverware of the 2024/25 season and the 46th trophy of his illustrious career.

The first 45 minutes of the final were tense and cagey, with both teams testing each other out. However, the game exploded into life during the stoppage time of the first-half. A raking long ball from Jordi Alba was expertly controlled by Lionel Messi, who dribbled past one Columbus defender before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. But the first-half action wasn’t over yet. In the 49th minute, Messi scored his second of the night with a trademark freekick from 25-yards out into the bottom left corner. With Inter Miami holding a commanding 2-0 lead at break, many felt that Miami winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield was a foregone conclusion. 

However, Columbus Crew had other ideas. Straight after the kick-off, Deigo Rossi reduced the deficit with a stunning curler from the edge of the box. But their hopes were quickly dashed when a defensive mix-up between Crew goalkeeper and Rudy Camacho gifted Luis Suarez a golden opportunity, which he gratefully seized for his 18th goal of the season. Crew’s Cucho Hernandez reduced the deficit once again thanks to a well-placed penalty, but their joy was short-lived as Rudy Camacho received his marching orders in the 63rd minute.  

Despite being a man down, Columbus Crew continued to probe in order to find an equalizer. They came agonizingly close when VAR awarded them a penalty after ruling that Miami’s Ian Fry had handled the ball in the box. With just seven minutes left, Cucho Hernandez stepped up to potentially spoil Miami's title party. However, Drake Callender had other ideas, making a crucial dive to his right to deny Hernandez and preserve Miami’s lead. After that, Columbus Crew could muster any chances of notice during the match, as Inter Miami clinched their second trophy of the Lionel Messi-era. 

Following the game, Messi stated that Inter Miami had achieved their first goal of the season – winning the Supporters’ Shield. He said, “I am happy. Happy that we did it. 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." Messi further stated, “I think since the arrival of (coach) Gerardo Martino and us (Jordi Alba, Suarez and Sergio Busquets), the idea was clear to be protagonist and chase the ball, have the ball and possession. Important players arrived to grow the team in terms of the game and personality. We try to compete in every game.” 

Following their gut-wrenching defeat, Columbus Crew may get a shot at redemption against Inter Miami. The MLS Cup playoffs are on the horizon, and it’s entirely possible that these Eastern Conference rivals will meet again in a high-stakes showdown.