Inter Miami captured the 2024 Supporters’ Shield with a 3-2 win over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday evening at Lower.com Field in Ohio.

Lionel Messi scored twice and Luis Suárez scored a goal as Miami held on for victory after Crew’s Rudy Camacho was sent off in the 63rd minute. Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender saved a penalty from Cucho Hernández shortly before the end to seal the three points for his team.

The Herons lifted the trophy with 68 points in 32 games, winning their first Major League Soccer silverware since their 2020 debut as an expansion franchise.

Inter Miami won its first Leagues Cup title of 2023, but have not previously been successful in MLS.

The team enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2024 thanks to the contributions of Messi and Suárez in their first full seasons in Florida. Together, the two forwards are responsible for 35 of the team’s 72 goals in 31 games.

Despite Messi’s absence due to injury and international commitments, the Argentine captain leads Inter Miami in assists and goals in just 16 games played.

The 2024 Supporters’ Shield will be Messi’s second trophy at the club and his 46th career title.

His long list of achievements includes ten LaLiga trophies, four Champions League victories, two Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Supporters’ Shield is one of two major trophies in MLS alongside the MLS Cup and is awarded to the team with the best overall record in the regular season to reward consistency throughout the 34-match campaign.

Sixteen different MLS teams have worn the Supporters’ Shield, with LA Galaxy and DC United leading the way with four titles each.

By winning the Shield, Inter Miami secured home field advantage in the MLS play-offs.

Inter Miami also remains on pace to break the league’s record for most points during the regular season. The New England Revolution hold the record after scoring 73 points during the 2021 season, but Inter Miami could still surpass those numbers with two games remaining.

Should Miami defeat Toronto FC on October 5 and the New England Revolution on October 19, the team would reach a total of 74 points and set the new record.