AFCON 2025
The Supporters’ Shield, which is awarded to the MLS team with the best overall regular season record has been won by Inter Miami CF for the first time in club history.
Inter Miami defeated the Columbus Crew 3-2 to win the championship, with two goals from Lionel Messi and one from Luis Suárez.
Messi scored with a deft touch to beat the goalkeeper in the 45th minute to give Inter Miami the lead.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then added another goal in stoppage time during the first half with an incredible free kick.
After Columbus replied shortly after the break, Suárez gave Miami a two-goal lead again in the 48th minute.
Drake Callender’s penalty kick stop with six minutes left kept Miami ahead as they were able to secure the win.
Messi and Inter Miami
Messi’s victory marked his 46th career championship and the second in Inter Miami history, following the South Florida team’s Leagues Cup victory in July 2023.
With the victory, the Herons have guaranteed themselves home-field advantage and the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Inter Miami, the winners of the Supporters’ Shield, will compete in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup for the second consecutive year.
Messi will lead Inter Miami to host a postseason game for the first time in club history.
In the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, they will face the winners f the Eastern Conference Wild Card game between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds.
