Inter Miami have secure the MLS Supporter's Shield victory after they defeated Columbus Crew 3-2 in the MLS 2024-25 clash. Lionel Messi played a key role in the victory as he scored twice and led Inter Miami to their first supporter's shield title. Given David Beckham's franchise has struggled for years, it has been a massive achievement for the club. Since its first season in MLS in 2020, Miami has a losing record. They haven't advanced past the first round of the playoff. When Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in the mid 2023, they were in a very poor position. The Argentine played just more than 400 minutes of football and they finished 14th in the Eastern Conference league table. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Set To Participate in FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Report.

Things changed drastically in the first full season of Lionel Messi. With Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez to assist him, Messi led Inter Miami to their first supporter's shield title despite missing a lot of the season due to injury.  With the Supporters’ Shield in its possession, Inter Miami will look to continue its pursuit of the single-season points record in MLS history on Saturday when it visits Toronto FC. Lionel Messi, however, sees the bigger picture despite the Herons needing two victories in order to break the league record, with two regular-season games remaining.

Will Lionel Messi Play Tonight in Inter Miami vs Toronto FC MLS 2024 Match?

Lionel Messi has recently recovered from his injury and has scored a brace in the match which decided the supporter's shield victory for Inter Miami. He is very much likely to be part of the Inter Miami starting XI against Toronto FC and Inter Miami aim higher than their current position. He has extended his record as the most decorated player in football history with 46 trophies, surpassing Brazilian Dani Alves by three. The world champion is now pursuing another personal milestone: becoming the all-time top scorer for Inter Miami. Ian Fray Returns Favour to Lionel Messi, Dedicates Inter Miami's Supporters' Shield 2024 Victory to Him Remembering Argentina Star's Heartfelt Gesture Last Season.

The New England Revolution set the record of 73 points in MLS 2021 and will visit Inter Miami in the regular-season finale for both clubs on October 19. “We have a nice opportunity to go down in history ... and now we think about what is coming,” Messi told Apple TV of the MLS points record after the Herons recorded a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday. “We have a great advantage in that we play (the final game) at home, which is what we were looking for. I think we are very, very strong at home.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2024 06:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).