Lionel Messi shined to help Inter Miami win the MLS championship 2 rounds early.

Messi scored twice to help Inter Miami win the championship 2 rounds early – Photo: REUTERS

On the morning of October 3, Inter Miami won the 2024 MLS Supporters Shield with a 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew. Superstar Lionel Messi shined with 2 goals and Luis Suarez scored the remaining goal.

David Beckham’s team won the championship with 68 points after 32 matches. This is the first MLS (Major League Soccer) title since its establishment in 2020.

Previously, Inter Miami won its first title, the Leagues Cup, in 2023. The team had a great promotion in 2024 thanks to the contribution of Messi and Suarez. Both scored 35 of the team’s 72 goals.

Despite missing several games due to injury, the Argentine striker still managed 17 goals and 12 assists. The MLS title brought Messi’s total to 46 titles.

The Supporters Shield is one of the two most prestigious trophies, along with the MLS Cup. It is awarded to the team with the best record after 34 matches in the regular season.

Winning the Supporters Shield will give Inter Miami home field status for all MLS Cup playoff matches. The 14-team MLS Cup playoffs will be held in late October or early November.

In addition, Inter Miami is also on track to break the record for total points scored in a regular season. Previously, New England Revolution held the record with 73 points in the 2021 season.

If Miami beats Toronto FC and Revolution in their remaining two games, they will reach 74 points and set a new league record.