Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami. © APA / JASON MOWRY

Messi and Miami win the next title

Lionel Messi has led Inter Miami to another title.

03 October 2024

From: dpa

With a brace in the 3-2 win against Columbus Crew, the world champions 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. In return, co-owner David Beckham's team will receive the so-called Supporters Shield for the first time. Inter Miami also has home advantage throughout the upcoming playoffs in the North American professional league.

Messi scored the 45-1 in the 0th minute and then scored the 2-0 with a direct free kick from long distance in injury time (45th+5). His friend Luis Suarez restored the two-goal lead after the goal (48th minute). Columbus scored again and, despite being outnumbered, had a great chance to equalize with a penalty. Inter goalkeeper Drake Callender, however, parried the attempt and made the title win perfect. For Messi, it was his fifth brace of the MLS season; he has scored 17 goals in 17 games.

Miami will now definitely open the playoffs with a home game on the last weekend in October. If Miami wins the best-of-three series, Inter will also have home advantage in the following rounds. The semifinals of the Eastern Conference would be on November 23 or 24, the final of the Eastern Conference a week later. The MLS Cup against the winner of the Western Conference would then be on December 7.