Lionel Messi’s superb goal, his 31st and 32nd goal contributions of the campaign, helped Inter Miami clinch the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday evening.

The Argentinian scored the opening goal of the match in the 45th minute, and four minutes into first-half stoppage time he scored again, this time a sensational free-kick to give them a 2-0 lead.

However, just twenty seconds into the second half, the Crew earned a goal back through winger Diego Rossi. However, the Herons responded immediately.

Less than 60 seconds into the Crew’s second-half opener, Luis Suarez scored Miami’s third, capitalizing on an error by Crew and USMNT goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. With a 3-1 lead, the Herons seemed to be on their way to the final whistle, but it was anything but comfortable.

In the 61st minute, the Crew earned a penalty, with Cucho Hernandez scoring to bring them within one. However, two minutes later, Columbus defender Rudy Camacho saw red after receiving his second yellow card of the match.

Advantage, Miami – or so they thought.

In the 82nd minute of the match, the Crew got another gift, with Miami defender Ian Fray committing a handball violation in the penalty area. Hernandez had a chance to draw level, but American international Drake Callender made a huge save to deflect the Colombian from the spot.

With that, the Herons clinched the 2024 regular season title in what was perhaps the most chaotic, lively and unexpected game of the campaign.

Columbus fans will be incensed by decisions all game long, especially an attack involving a studs-up tackle from Sergio Busquets in the first half that went to VAR but was ruled a non-foul after a lengthy review – until great dissatisfaction from everyone. presence at Lower.Com Field.

Meanwhile, for the Herons, both Federico Redondo and Marcelo Weigandt received yellow card suspensions and will miss Saturday’s match against Toronto FC.

Although they probably won’t care. The Herons are the 2024 MLS regular season champions and Messi, along with Callender, are the heroes of South Beach.

Trophy No. 46 for Argentina and Inter Miami’s second of the Messi era, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has made them the league’s best thanks to his 17 goals and 15 assists this season.

GOAL rates the Inter Miami players from Lower.Com Field.