Lionel Messi appeared teary-eyed on the field after winning his 46th career trophy in Columbus on Wednesday night.
The Argentine led Inter Miami over reigning MLS Champions Columbus Crew to clinch the Supporters’ Shield, scoring a brace at Lower.com Field.
Following the 3-2 win in Ohio, Messi appeared to contain his emotions while waiting for the trophy ceremony. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner was red in the face as he spoke to teammate Luis Suarez on the pitch.
The tone would change quickly in the locker room as the Herons celebrated their second franchise trophy in the locker rooms. Pictures from the club’s X (Twitter) page showed the team wearing their winners’ gear while Messi displayed his physique in team photos.
Messi is also pictured lifting the shield with Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, whose suit was drenched from the champagne celebrations.
The Copa America winner – who only recently returned after an injury sustained in the final of this summer’s blockbuster tournament – scored his first goal of the night off a brilliantly picked-out long ball from Jordi Alba.
He would score again just five minutes later off a sublime free kick to take Miami into the half up 2-0.
Columbus scored their first of the night within seconds of kickoff – only for Suarez to bag Miami’s third after a comical error from the Crew backline.
The Crew would go back within one thanks to a penalty from Cucho Hernandez. But when faced with the same task again, he hit his kick to the same spot – which Miami keeper Drake Callender saved to preserve the victory for The Herons.
The Supporters’ Shield is given out to the team that finishes the season with the most points.
Traditionally, in other leagues, this would signify winning the competition. However, MLS follows a format similar to traditional American sports, in which a knockout-style competition (MLS Cup) determines the league’s champions.
It’s the second trophy that Inter Miami have won in their four years of existence after winning the Leagues Cup last season.
Inter Miami leads MLS in standings with a 20-8-4 (W-D-L) record and 68 points on top of the Eastern Conference. Western Conference leaders LA Galaxy trail behind The Herons at 61 points with a 28-7-7 record.
