As you may have heard, Inter Miami secured their first-ever MLS Supporters’ Shield with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew. Lionel Messi was pivotal, scoring twice in the first half. His first goal came in the 45th minute after a perfectly timed pass from Jordi Alba, and his second, in typical Messi fashion, a stunning free-kick in stoppage time, doubled their advantage.
However, Columbus fought back immediately after halftime, with Diego Rossi netting a goal to make it 2-1. Luis Suárez would quickly restore Miami’s two-goal cushion, capitalizing on a defensive error to score a header.
This is when things got “crazy…er” Columbus continued to press, and a penalty from Cucho Hernández brought the score to 3-2, but their momentum was halted when Rudy Camacho was sent off with a red card. Just when everyone thought the match and the supporter shield was in Inter Miami’s bag the Crew were awarded a penalty just for Drake Callender, most likely the goalkeeper of the season, to make a crucial penalty save.
The win marked Messi’s 46th career title and carries unique significance, as many view the Supporters’ Shield as the true reflection of a team’s dominance throughout the season, with the playoffs serving more like a knockout competition. Heading into the playoffs, Inter Miami are not only strong favorites but will also have the chance to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.
This tournament brings together the top teams from each federation worldwide, offering a true test of how clubs compare globally. Historically, the competition has been somewhat overlooked, but with Messi now part of Inter Miami, his presence could breathe new life into it, drawing more attention and prestige to both the tournament and MLS.
