Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their next title. With a brace in the 3-2 win against Columbus Crew, the world champion from Argentina played a key role in the victory, which means Miami can no longer be pushed out of first place in the Major League Soccer table. For this, co-owner David Beckham’s team receives the so-called Supporters Shield for the first time. Inter Miami also has the home advantage throughout the upcoming playoffs in the North American professional league.
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Messi made it 1-0 in the 45th minute and then made it 2-0 in stoppage time with a direct free kick from a long distance (45th+5). His friend Luis Suarez restored the two-goal gap after scoring (48th minute). Columbus scored again and, despite being outnumbered, still had a great chance to equalize with a penalty. However, Inter goalkeeper Drake Callender parried the attempt and secured the title. It was Messi’s fifth brace of this MLS season; he has 17 goals in 17 games.
Miami will now safely open the playoffs with a home game on the last weekend in October. Should Miami prevail in the best-of-three series, Inter will also have home advantage in the following rounds. The Eastern Conference semifinals would be November 23rd or 24th, with the Eastern Conference finals a week after that. The MLS Cup against the winner of the Western Conference would then be on December 7th.
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The Supporters Shield is the second title for Inter Miami with Messi. Last year they won the Leagues Cup. Miami reached the playoffs for the first time.
Sports buzzer
