Inter Miami Celebrates Historic Supporters' Shield Win

MIAMI - Inter Miami CF has claimed their first-ever Supporters' Shield after a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night, ensuring Lionel Messi and his teammates will finish atop the 2024 MLS regular-season standings.

Match Highlights

Lionel Messi scored twice in the final minutes of the first half, while goalie Drake Callender stopped a penalty kick in the 84th minute. It was Messi’s 46th major trophy won for club or country, extending his record for the most by any men's soccer player in history. Furthermore, this becomes the second trophy he has won with Inter Miami, adding to the Leagues Cup trophy secured shortly after his arrival in 2023. Luis Suarez also contributed to the scoreline.

Playoff Implications

Inter Miami secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. This guarantees home-field advantage throughout the playoffs at Chase Stadium if they progress to the MLS Cup on Dec. 7. The Herons, led by head coach Tata Martino, have also earned a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Additionally, the team aims to break the MLS single-season points record, currently held by the New England Revolution at 73 points since 2021. To achieve this, Inter Miami must win their final two regular-season matches.

Inter Miami will host a playoff game for the first time, facing the winner of the Eastern Conference Wild Card match between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds. The Round One Best-of-3 series is set to kick off in late October, with a complete postseason schedule announced in the coming weeks.