Lionel Messi scores twice as Inter Miami secure MLS Shield

Subscribe To Miguel Delaney's Free Newsletter!

Subscribe To Miguel Delaney's Free Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe To Miguel Delaney’s Free Newsletter

I’d like to receive emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please check out our privacy policy.

Lionel Messi scored two goals, leading Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory against Columbus Crew, which also secured the MLS Supporters Shield for his team.

Messi scored a bunch of goals in the final moments of the first half, helping Inter Miami achieve the top regular-season record.

Columbus managed to score early in the second half, but Luis Suarez quickly put Miami back in the lead just two minutes later with a header into an unguarded net.

Juan "Cucho" Hernandez kept the Crew's hopes alive by scoring a penalty in the 61st minute. However, another penalty shot later in the match was thwarted by goalkeeper Drake Callender, who made a crucial save.

This outcome guarantees that Miami will play on their home turf for the entire Major League Soccer playoffs.

"We've accomplished our initial goal, and now it’s time to consider our next steps," Messi stated.

"The initial stage consists of three matches, but after that, it's a single game where anything can occur. Fortunately, we have the significant benefit of hosting all our games at home, which is exactly what we aimed for. We're really tough to beat when playing on our own turf."

Miami needs to earn six points in their last two games to break the MLS record for the highest points in a regular season. This record is currently held by the New England Revolution, who reached 73 points in 2021.