Inter Miami achieved a new milestone in its young history on Wednesday by winning the Supporters' Shield of Major League Soccer 2024 after defeating Columbus Crew 3-2.
With a double from Lionel Messi, a timely goal from Luis Suárez, and a standout performance from Drake Callender in goal, the Herons defeated the champions of the MLS Cup 2023 at the Lower Field.
This title, which rewards the best team of the regular season, is the second in the history of Inter Miami, following the Leagues Cup of 2023, and guarantees them to play as hosts in the playoffs.
Although it is an important achievement, it should not be confused with the MLS Cup, the most prestigious trophy in soccer in the United States and Canada, which is contested in a playoff.
This victory also leaves open the possibility for Inter Miami to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, although the criteria for awarding the spot that corresponds to the host country, the United States, has not yet been defined.
The match, held in the city of Columbus, Ohio, was very competitive. Despite going into halftime down 0-2 and extending the lead to 1-3 at the start of the second half, Inter Miami did not have an easy path.
Colombian Juan Camilo 'Cucho' Hernández had the chance to equalize in the 84th minute with a penalty, but Inter Miami's goalkeeper, Drake Callender, saved the shot, establishing himself as the other main protagonist of the match.
'Cucho', also from a penalty, and Diego Rossi scored the goals for Columbus Crew, although two goals were disallowed for offside, one from 'Cucho' in the 8th minute and another from the Argentine Marcelo Weigandt in the 25th minute for Inter Miami.
The Columbus Crew dominated the start of the match with pressure and quick attacks, but Messi appeared in the 45th minute to open the scoring with a brilliant control and finish.
Then, in the stoppage time of the first half, he scored his second goal with a spectacular free kick.
Although the Crew responded quickly at the beginning of the second half, Suárez's goal after a defensive error in the 48th minute sealed the victory for Inter Miami.
At the end of the meeting, the Argentine appeared happy about the victory.
Lionel Messi's world record is extended.
With the conquest of the 2024 Supporters' Shield by Inter Miami, Lionel Messi continues to expand his impressive trophy collection.
After winning the Leagues Cup in his first season in MLS and adding a second Copa América with Argentina this summer, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner raises his world record to 46 titles, according to sports media.
Throughout this MLS season, Messi has broken several records, becoming the fastest player to participate in 25 goals, finishing the campaign with 17 goals and 15 assists in just 15 matches, despite having suffered an injury that kept him off the field for a while.
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under:
