Featured Image Credit: Inter Miami/MLS
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Lionel Messi scored a brace including a stunning free-kick as Inter Miami beat Columbus Crew to win the Supporters' Shield.
Messi netted two goals and Luis Suarez added another as Miami beat Crew 3-2 on Thursday.
The Argentine opened the scoring after some brilliant link-up play with Jordi Alba. Diego Rossi levelled proceedings moments later.
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But Messi restored his side's lead when he curled home a sublime free-kick before the break.
Suarez scored Miami's third in the second-half as Cucho Hernandez pulled one back.
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Miami held on for the win to clinch their second piece of silverware following Messi's arrival.
He inspired the Florida-based side to the Leagues Cup last season and has now helped them secure the Supporters' Shield.
It's the 46th trophy of his legendary career as the 37-year-old shows no signs of slowing down.
Speaking after the triumph, Messi said: "I am happy.
"Happy that we did it. At the beginning of the year we knew that this was a group to fight for this. We took charge from the beginning, we had the players to do this.
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"I am happy to secure the first objective, and we're thinking of the next."
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner then hailed the arrivals of coach Gerardo Martino as well as Suarez, Alba and Sergio Busquets.
"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," he added. "Important players arrived to grow the team in terms of the game and personality. We try to compete in every game."
The Supporters' Shield stands as one of the two major trophies in MSL alongside the MLS Cup.
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Mess has completely transformed Miami's fortunes since his switch, weighing in with goals and assists.
In 34 games across all competitions, he has scored an impressive 30 goals and recorded 17 assists.