Inter Miami’s 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew not only secured them the MLS Supporters’ Shield, but it also marked another milestone in Lionel Messi’s illustrious career. The Argentine superstar, who joined the South Beach club in 2023, has been instrumental in transforming the fortunes of a struggling franchise. This trophy, however, is just the beginning of a bigger mission for Miami as they chase their first-ever MLS Cup.
Messi Reflects on Miami’s Achievement
Lionel Messi, known for his concise and impactful statements, summed up the win perfectly on Instagram:
> “First goal accomplished. We move forward with the desire to achieve more things together.”
These 14 words encapsulate the mindset of Inter Miami as they continue their push for more silverware. Winning the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best record in MLS, is no small feat, especially for a team that finished 14th in the Eastern Conference the previous year.
Star-Studded Squad Celebrates First Major Trophy
The celebrations in the locker room following the victory over Columbus Crew were a reflection of the joy felt by Miami’s star-studded roster. Serial winners like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Messi himself were seen chanting “campeones” as they celebrated a hard-fought season. Despite their collective experience in winning Champions Leagues and domestic titles, this trophy felt special to the Miami squad, who had struggled for years to make a mark in MLS.
For Inter Miami, this is more than just a piece of silverware. David Beckham’s franchise has had a losing record since its debut in 2020, and they had never progressed past the first round of the playoffs. This victory signifies a turning point for the team, now regarded as the best in the league, and sets the stage for a more ambitious goal: winning the MLS Cup.
Messi’s Impact on Miami’s Rise
Of course, Messi’s arrival was the catalyst for Inter Miami’s rise to prominence. Though his first campaign saw him play just over 400 minutes of football, his influence was undeniable. His arrival in July 2023 came at a time when the Herons were sitting last in the Eastern Conference, and while making the playoffs was always a long shot, Messi’s presence brought hope and momentum to the team.
Even though Messi didn’t manage to secure playoff football last season, he made an immediate impact, winning the Leagues Cup with a stunning free kick in his debut match and leading the team to victory in the final against Nashville. He also played a crucial role in Miami’s U.S. Open Cup run, but his absence due to a calf injury saw the team fall short in the final.
Inter Miami’s victory in the Supporters’ Shield is a testament to the influence of Lionel Messi and the transformation he has brought to the club. While this trophy is significant, it feels like just the beginning for a team that has long struggled for success. With the MLS Cup still in their sights, Messi and his teammates are gearing up for even bigger challenges ahead, aiming to bring even more glory to South Beach.