Lionel Messi comments speak volumes after Inter Miami land MLS trophy
Inter Miami have wrapped up their second trophy in as many seasons with Lionel Messi in their squad, with the Argentina star helping them seal the deal with a win in Columbus
by Tom Victor · The MirrorLionel Messi and Inter Miami are celebrating their first ever Supporters' Shield title, but the Argentina star has refused to rest on his laurels.
The Major League Soccer season is split into two phases. The Supporters' Shield goes to the regular season champions, but the prestigious MLS Cup title is awarded to whichever team wins the season-ending playoffs.
Inter Miami missed out on the playoffs altogether in 2023, despite Messi joining midway through the season, though they did win the Leagues Cup. They've definitely thrived this term, though, with Messi and manager Tata Martino enjoying their first full season and Luis Suarez top-scoring after joining from Gremio.
A late penalty save from goalkeeper Drake Callender helped the Florida side win 3-2 at Columbus Crew on Wednesday, ensuring LA Galaxy can't catch them in the race for the Supporters' Shield. However, Messi showed his hunger for trophies by emphasising it will count for nothing if they don't follow it with MLS Cup glory.
"I am happy. Happy that we did it," Messi told Apple TV (via ESPN) after the game. "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 also spoke of the front-foot football the team have been able to play since Martino took over and Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba joined the club. "Important players arrived to grow the team in terms of the game and personality. We try to compete in every game," he added.
Messi put Inter Miami in charge in Columbus when he netted twice just before half-time. Diego Rossi pulled one back early in the second half, only for Suarez to quickly restore the two-goal advantage.
Will Inter Miami double up and win MLS Cup? Have your say in the comments section
Former Watford forward Cucho Hernandez pulled one back from the spot and was given the chance to repeat the trick after an Ian Fray handball. The second time, though, the Colombian international couldn't find a way past Callender.
By winning the Supporters' Shield, Inter Miami are straight through to the first round of the playoffs, where they enjoy home advantage throughout as top seeds. They've also secured a spot in next season's CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they will look to improve on their quarter-final run from this season.
LA Galaxy are favourites to join them as Western Conference winners, though they can still be caught by LAFC. Four points from the final two games will make sure for Galaxy, who face Austin on Sunday before finishing their regular season campaign against Houston Dynamo.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.