Grapevine

Messi double helps Inter Miami edge Columbus 3-2 for MLS Supporters’ Shield

Argentina star bags his record-extending 46th trophy and gives Inter Miami a chance to secure a home advantage in the upcoming MLS playoffs.

Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat the defending Major League Soccer (MLS) champions Columbus Crew 3-2 to clinch the Supporters’ Shield, given annually to the team with the best regular-season record.

The win on Wednesday gave Messi his 46th career trophy and Inter Miami a chance to secure a home venue advantage in the upcoming MLS playoffs.

It was Messi’s 46th major trophy for club or country, extending his record for the most by any men’s football player in history. And it is the second he has won with Inter Miami, after the Leagues Cup trophy the Herons claimed shortly after Messi joined the club in 2023.

“We knew this was a group that could fight for this [trophy],” Messi said after the match.