Leo Messi appears emotional after Inter Miami’s Supporters’ Shield win before WILDLY celebrating 46th trophy of his career
Lionel Messi appeared on the pitch with tears in his eyes after winning his 46th career trophy in Columbus on Wednesday evening.
The Argentinian led Inter Miami over reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew to capture the Supporters’ Shield and score a brace at Lower.com Field.
After the 3-2 win in Ohio, Messi appeared to be in control of his emotions as he waited for the trophy presentation. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner was left red-faced as he spoke to teammate Luis Suarez on the pitch.
The tone would quickly change in the locker room as the Herons celebrated their second franchise trophy in the locker rooms. Photos from the club’s X-page (Twitter) showed the team wearing the winners’ kit, while Messi showed off his physique in team photos.
Messi is also pictured raising a shield with Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, whose suit was soaked in the champagne celebrations.
Lionel Messi looked emotional after Inter Miami won the Supporters’ Shield against Columbus
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 evening after a brilliantly picked long ball from Jordi Alba.
Just five minutes later he would score again from a sublime free kick to put Miami up 2-0 before half time.
Columbus scored their first of the night within seconds of kick-off – only for Suarez to bag Miami’s third after a comical error from the Crew’s backline.
The Crew would go back in 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 secure the win for The Herons.
The Supporter Shield is awarded to the team that completes the season with the most points.
Messi celebrated with Inter Miami Jorge Mas after the Herons defeated the Crew in a 3-2 win
The win secured Inter Miami their second franchise title and Messi’s 46th career trophy
Messi scored two goals just before half-time before Luis Suarez scored the third
Traditionally in other competitions this would mean winning the competition. However, the MLS follows a format similar to that of traditional American sports, with a knockout competition (MLS Cup) determining the league’s champions.
It is the second trophy Inter Miami has won in the four years of its existence, after winning the Leagues Cup last season.
Inter Miami leads the MLS in the standings with a 20-8-4 record (WDL) and 68 points atop the Eastern Conference. Western Conference leader LA Galaxy trails The Herons with 61 points and a 28-7-7 record.