Inter Miami secured their second piece of silverware in their history last week with Lionel Messi securing the Supporters’ Shield for the Herons.
The Argentine international scored a brace in a 3-2 win against the Columbus Crew as Inter Miami made it two trophies in 12 months after Messi played a key role in the Florida franchise winning Leagues Cup in the summer of 2023.
With MLS Cup now on the horizon, there’s a real chance that Messi can lead Inter Miami to a third trophy if the 37-year-old attacker can remain fit and healthy heading into the post-season later this month after the international break.
Yet Kieran Gibbs has said another Inter Miami player has been more important than Messi in winning silverware in the last 12 months.
Drake Callender hailed as Inter Miami’s moment man for winning trophies
Speaking on the Inter Miami Weekly Show, the former Arsenal defender hailed Drake Callender as the player who has been the most influential for the Herons when it comes to winning silverware and getting across the line.
Callender saved a penalty against the Crew last week to secure Inter Miami the three points with the USA international a year prior becoming a star for the Florida franchise after a string of impressive performances in Leagues Cup, with the keeper scoring the winning penalty in the final shootout.
And for Gibbs, these moments have made Callender the clutch player for Inter Miami when it comes to winning trophies, with the California-born goalkeeper showing that he can be as important to Tata Martino’s side as the likes of Messi.
Gibbs said: “I’ve run out of things to say about Drake and the performances he’s had for this club. You could say that largely the trophies Inter Miami have won are down to him, the reality is that, what an incredible moment for him.”
Messi would agree Inter Miami’s success is down to Callender
Messi has of course had a huge impact at Inter Miami since joining last summer, with the Argentine international transforming the Herons into the best side in MLS and pushing the Florida franchise to a new level never experienced before.
Yet even Messi would agree that Inter Miami’s success has come down to Callender performing at the right time in the right games, with the USA international showing why he’s one of the best goalkeepers in MLS.
Indeed, Callender has been with Inter Miami since the beginning and earned his spot between the sticks as the no. 1 at Chase Stadium, and the shot-stopper has come up clutch in big moments for the Herons, a streak that could continue heading into the play-offs.