Inter Miami CF secured their first Major League Soccer (MLS) trophy by winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield after a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew on October 2 in Ohio. This achievement is particularly significant, as it marks the club’s first major MLS title since joining the league as an expansion team in 2020.
Lionel Messi was instrumental in Miami’s triumph, scoring two goals to lead his team to victory. His long-time friend and fellow forward, Luis Suarez, added another to the scoreline. The match took a decisive turn in the 63rd minute when Columbus Crew’s Rudy Camacho was shown a red card, leaving his side down to ten men and giving Miami an advantage.
Goalkeeper Drake Callender also played a pivotal role, making a crucial save from a penalty taken by Columbus’ Cucho Hernández just before the final whistle. This ensured that Inter Miami walked away with all three points and the prestigious Supporters’ Shield.
After the match, Messi expressed his joy over the team’s success. “I’m happy. At the start of the year, we knew this group could fight for this. We had the players, we took charge from the beginning, and I’m happy to secure the first objective. Now we’re thinking of the next,” Messi said in an interview with Apple TV.
With this victory, Messi’s illustrious career reached yet another milestone, taking his personal tally to 46 career titles. His long list of achievements includes 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League wins, two Copa América trophies, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This is Messi’s second title with Inter Miami, following his triumph in the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Inter Miami’s Remarkable Season
Inter Miami’s success this season has been nothing short of extraordinary, especially with Messi and Suarez leading the charge in their first full campaigns. The dynamic duo has combined for 35 of the team’s 72 goals in just 31 matches. Despite missing several games due to injuries and international commitments, Messi has still managed to lead the team in assists and goal contributions, making his impact undeniable.
The Supporters’ Shield is one of MLS’s top honors, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. By clinching the trophy with 68 points from 32 games, Inter Miami has guaranteed home-field advantage throughout the upcoming playoffs, putting them in a strong position to challenge for the MLS Cup.
Inter Miami now joins the list of 16 different teams to have won the Supporters’ Shield, an elite group that includes LA Galaxy and D.C. United, who each have four titles. From a debut season in 2020 to this landmark achievement, Inter Miami’s rise has been remarkable, and they are now firmly established as a force to be reckoned with in American soccer.
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