Messi and Callender were pivotal as Miami clinched the MLS regular season title
Lionel Messi's superb brace, his 31st and 32nd goal-contributions of the campaign, helped Inter Miami clinch the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield Wednesday night with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew. The Argentine bagged the opening goal of the match in the 45th minute, and four minutes into first half stoppage-time, he scored another, this time a sensational free kick to hand them a 2-0 lead.
Just 20 seconds into the second half, though, the Crew earned a goal back through winger Diego Rossi. However, the Herons responded immediately. Less than 60 seconds after the Crew's second-half opener, Luis Suarez scored Miami's third, capitalizing off an error from Crew and USMNT goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. With a 3-1 lead, the Herons seemed poised to cruise to the final whistle, but it was anything but comfortable.
In the 61st minute, the Crew earned a penalty kick, with Cucho Hernandez scoring to bring them within one. Two minutes later, though, Columbus defender Rudy Camacho saw red after earning his second yellow card of the match. Advantage, Miami - or so they thought.
In the 82nd minute of the contest, the Crew were handed another gift, with Miami defender Ian Fray committing a handball offense in the box. Hernandez had a chance to draw level, but U.S. international Drake Callender stepped up with a massive save to deny the Colombian from the spot. With that, the Herons clinched the 2024 regular season title, in what may have been the most chaotic, lively and unexpected match of the campaign.
Dramatic Finish
The win marked career trophy no. 46 for the Messi, and Inter Miami's second since he joined the club in 2023. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has led them to the league's best record on the back of his 17 goals and 15 assists this season. The Supporters' Shield victory also gives Inter Miami the right to host every match for the rest of the season, including an Eastern Conference semifinal, the East final, and the MLS Cup final. It's a crucial advantage as the club eyes its first MLS Cup.
A Glimpse into the Playoffs
The match against Columbus served as a preview for the potential Eastern Conference final with the top two teams squaring off. If Miami is to win an MLS Cup, they'll have to go through the reigning champions along the way so what better time to see if they're ready than an away trip to Columbus?
The win also puts Inter Miami in contention for a new single-season points record. With three matches remaining, they have 68 points. They could finish with 74 points, surpassing New England’s 73 in 2021, if they win their final two matches against Toronto and New England.
Messi's Impact: Beyond the Goals
While Messi has been a key contributor for Inter Miami, the team has also shown remarkable resilience in his absence. The Herons are 10-3-2 when Messi hasn't played in league matches, a testament to the depth and versatility of the squad. This impressive record highlights that the team is not solely reliant on the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, a point emphasized by goalkeeper Drake Callender.
Key Takeaways
The match was filled with drama and excitement, leaving Columbus fans frustrated with a few key decisions. But in the end, it was the Herons who emerged victorious, securing the Supporters' Shield and setting the stage for a thrilling playoff run. The win not only underlines the team's strength and resilience but also showcases the transformative impact of Messi's arrival. With the playoffs fast approaching, Inter Miami will be looking to build on this momentum and make a strong push for the MLS Cup.
The Herons Take Flight
The Herons are the 2024 regular season MLS champions and Messi, along with Callender, are the heroes of South Beach. The win also showcases the transformative impact of Messi's arrival, turning a struggling team into a title contender. As the playoffs commence, the focus shifts to the ultimate prize: the MLS Cup.
