Inter Miami wrapped up the Supporters’ Shield title with Lionel Messi scoring a brace in a 3-2 win against the Columbus Crew.
Only the second title in the Heron’s entire history, Messi was the hero on the night for the Florida franchise as the Argentine international finally got Inter Miami over the line in their long-standing quest to win the Supporters’ Shield.
With all eyes now on the MLS play-offs next month, Inter Miami can feel a sense of relief having secured one of their main objectives this season in being the overall best team in the division throughout the year.
And manager Tata Martino has shared what he enjoyed most about Messi’s performance against the Columbus Crew.
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Messi hailed as ‘the game changer’ in Inter Miami’s win vs Columbus Crew
Speaking to the press after full-time, the former Mexico national team manager was full of praise for Messi for getting Inter Miami across the line in the end, with the forward’s two goals crucial to the Herons coming away from Ohio with all three points.
Martino said when asked about Messi’s performance and how he thought Inter Miami got on against the Columbus Crew last night: “Leo [Messi] was the game changer, but we had strange goals in this game.
“We had good stretches, we suffered at times, but we were able to meet our objective. Our goal is to get to Dec. 7 [MLS Cup final], we would like to play in the Club World Cup, and we are justifying why we could go.
“Not just because of the names on our roster, but because of how we’re playing. It would be more just and mean more if we earn it, and this Supporters’ Shield was very important for us.”
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Messi showed his best self against the Columbus Crew
Messi’s performances since returning from injury have been mixed, to say the least, with MLS expert Andrew Wiebe saying the Argentine looked ‘out of character’ on the weekend against Charlotte FC.
Yet last night against the Crew, Messi showed the best version of himself in what was a must-win game for Inter Miami, with the 37-year-old forward looking world-class against one of the best teams in MLS.
And heading into the play-offs, Inter Miami will hope Messi is as good as he can be in the Heron’s mission to win MLS Cup, an achievement that is possible if key players can remain fully fit.
