Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami defeated Columbus Crew 3-2 to win the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the first time in their history.

Messi scored the first goal of the game just before half-time before doubling his side’s lead with a superb free-kick five minutes into stoppage time before half-time.

Colombus equalized immediately after the restart through Diego Rossi, but Messi’s old friend Luis Suarez responded immediately with a header and eventually finished the game ahead of Columbus, who converted a penalty from Juan Hernandez after the hour before falling back to ten men seeing Rudy Camacho two yellow cards.

For Miami it is the first MLS title after they won the first Leagues Cup in 2023.

“I’m happy,” said Messi AppleTV. “I’m glad we did it.

“At the beginning of the year we knew this was a group we had to fight for. We took the lead from the start, we had the players to do it. I’m happy to have scored the first goal and we’ll think about it.” next.

“I think since the arrival of (coach) Gerardo Martino and us (Jordi Alba, Suarez and Sergio Busquets) the idea was clear to be protagonist and chase the ball, have the ball and possession of the ball. Important players came to expand the team. “We try to be competitive in every game.

Martino added: “I’ve been here for a year and I’m happy that we were able to win two titles with (Messi).”