“First goal accomplished” - Lionel Messi signals Inter Miami’s ambition with message on social media after Supporters’ Shield win
Lionel Messi shared his thoughts on social media after leading his Inter Miami side to the 2024 MLS Supporters Shield title in style. The Herons beat reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew 3-2 on Wednesday, October 2, to claim the trophy.
Inter Miami came into the game on the back of three consecutive draws and knew a win would seal the title. Captain Messi continued his fine form since his return from injury last month, scoring twice to lead his side to victory.
Following the game, Lionel Messi posed on Instagram, congratulating his teammates for claiming the MLS Supporters Shield title. The 37-year-old also indicated in the post that the Herons want more trophies this season.
"First goal accomplished Very proud of this team, we move forward with the desire to achieve more things together!!" Messi captioned the post.
Gerardo Martino's Inter Miami have secured the Supporters Shield crown with two games to spare, having already picked up 68 points. They have an 11-point gap over second-placed Columbus Crew following their deserved win away from home on Wednesday.
The Herons will now set their sights on breaking the MLS all-time regular season points tally of 73, previously set by the New England Revolution in 2021. They will also continue to build towards the playoffs as they look to win another silverware.
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami stave off Columbus Crews' fightback
Inter Miami won a first-ever MLS trophy as they lifted the Supporters Shield, thanks to their captain Lionel Messi's contributions. The Argentine great scored twice to lead his side to a narrow 3-2 win over Columbus Crew, firing them to the trophy.
Messi opened the scoring in the 45th minute after latching onto a long ball from Jordi Alba before slotting it home. He added his second of the night in first-half added time (45+1') when he curled home a beautiful free-kick from nearly 25 yards out. He has scored 17 goals in 17 MLS appearances this season.
The home side pulled one back through Diego Rossi in the 46th minute before Luis Suarez restored Inter Miami's two-goal lead in the 48th minute. Cucho Hernandez scored from the penalty spot to pull one back for Columbus Crew after 61 minutes.
With less than five minutes left to play, Hernandez was denied by Drake Callender from the penalty spot as the Herons claimed a famous away win.