Messi: Miami secured 'first objective' with Shield

Lionel Messi stated Inter Miami CF has completed its first objective of the 2024 MLS season after clinching the 2024 Supporters’ Shield with a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night at Lower.com Field in Ohio.

“I am happy,” said Messi to Apple TV. “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 scored twice and Luis Suárez added a goal as Miami held on after the Crew’s Rudy Camacho was sent off in the 63rd minute. Miami keeper Drake Callender saved a penalty kick from Cucho Hernández shortly before full-time to seal the three points for his team.

The Herons secured the trophy with 68 points in 32 games, winning their first piece of Major League Soccer silverware since debuting in 2020 as an expansion franchise. Inter Miami claimed the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup title but had not previously been successful in MLS.

The moment we made history! pic.twitter.com/zRseWXbGTZ

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 3, 2024

The team experienced a meteoric rise in 2024 due to the contributions of Messi and Suárez in their first full seasons in Florida. Together, the forwards have accounted for 35 of the team’s 72 goals scored in 31 matches.

“I think since the arrival of 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,” Messi added.

Despite Messi’s absences due to injury and international duty, the Argentine captain leads Inter Miami in assists and goal contributions in just 16 games played.

The 2024 Supporters’ Shield becomes Messi’s second trophy with the club, and 46th career title. His long list of achievements includes 10 LaLiga trophies, four Champions League triumphs, two Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup among others.

“I’ve been here one year, I’m happy that we’ve been able to win two titles with him,” said head coach Gerardo Martino.

The Supporters’ Shield stands as one of two major trophies in MLS alongside the MLS Cup, and is given to the team with the best overall record in the regular season to reward consistency through the 34-game campaign.

Sixteen different MLS teams have worn the Supporters’ Shield, with the LA Galaxy and D.C. United leading the way with four titles each.

By winning the Shield, Inter Miami has secured home-field advantage throughout the MLS playoffs.

Inter Miami also remains on course to beat the league’s record for most points recorded during the regular season.

The New England Revolution holds the record after racking up 73 points during the 2021 season but Miami could still surpass those numbers with two fixtures left.