Messi scored twice and also had the game-winner, leading Inter Miami from behind in an exciting match Columbus took in the first half early for 2-1. The Crew came out strong: Cucho Hernández scored in the 15th minute, while Diego Rossi doubled the lead for the visitors just ten minutes later.
But Messi turned the game around in a flash. Argentine legend scored for Miami in the 35th minute with a fabulous free-kick, bending the ball into the top corner, which Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte was unable to reach. With their victory momentum firmly in their favor, Miami began to dominate possession and ramped up the pace to break down the Crew’s defense.
Messi put the team level once again, scoring in the 60th minute, using a shot into the bottom corner at the far post following a low, driven shot to level the score at 2-2. In the balance of a tight game, Messi’s beautifully weighted pass found Josef Martínez in the 82nd minute, who slotted the ball home for Miami to emerge with the decisive 3-2 lead.
The win hand guaranteed Inter Miami’s top spot in the MLS standings, and they won the Supporters’ Shield for the team posting the best regular-season record. It is the first major trophy for the club, and it’s all coming in Messi’s debut season.
Being on the pitch for Messi is undisputed since he was there in Miami. His 21 goals and 14 assists over all cups have taken Miami from a struggling team to the hay of the league in a few go.
Messi also celebrated after the game. “Winning this trophy with Inter Miami in my first season is very special. The team worked hard all season, and this is a reward for everyone’s effort.”
Inter Miami now waits for the playoffs, full of confidence in grabbing more silverware to add to their historic campaign. As Messi stands at his best, Miami now seems to be part of the contenders for the MLS Cup, and it is hard to guess if they will not make it to the final stages of the postseason.
