WATCH: Lionel Messi scores stunning free-kick as Inter Miami secure Supporters' Shield trophy with win over Columbus Crew
Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick in first-half added time (45+5') during Inter Miami's 3-2 win over Columbus Crew on Wednesday, October 2. With the win, the Herons secured the Supporters' Shield, Lionel Messi's 46th career trophy.
The Argentine superstar broke the deadlock in the 45th minute. After five minutes, he doubled Inter Miami's lead and completed his brace with a stunning free-kick, leaving Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte puzzled.
Here's a video of Messi's second goal:
Diego Rossi scored for Columbus Crew in the 46th minute to reduce the arrears. But Luis Suarez restored Inter Miami's two-goal lead with a spectacular strike in the 48th minute.
Juan Hernandez converted a penalty to make the scoreline 3-2 in the 61st minute. Later, he missed a chance to equalize as he failed to score from the spot in the 84th minute. Lionel Messi's side secured a 3-2 victory and won the Supporters' Shield trophy.
In the match, Messi had a passing accuracy of 83% and won five duels. The Supporters' Shield trophy is the Argentine superstar's second accolade with the MLS side. He won his first trophy with the Herons, the Leagues Cup, last year, shortly after joining the club.
Desire to achieve more things together: Lionel Messi on winning Supporters' Shield Trophy with Inter Miami
Former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi uploaded a post on social media after guiding Inter Miami to the Supporters' Shield trophy with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew on Wednesday.
Messi, who scored twice, uploaded a post on Instagram, hinting that Inter Miami are aiming to win more trophies this season. He captioned the post:
"First goal accomplished. Very proud of this team, we move forward with the desire to achieve more things together."
A video of the Herons enjoying their latest triumph was also uploaded on social media via their official X account. In the video, Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino can be seen lifting the trophy as the whole team celebrate.
Martino later hands the trophy to Lionel Messi, the Player of the Match against Columbus Crew.