Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are poised to make history in the Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with the team on the verge of clinching the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield. This prestigious title is awarded to the team with the best overall record in the MLS regular season.
Clinching Scenarios
The simplest path to securing the Supporters' Shield for Inter Miami is a win against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday. If they defeat Columbus, they will clinch the title outright, marking the second major trophy in the club's history following their Leagues Cup triumph in 2023.
Inter Miami currently leads the Supporters' Shield standings and has a significant advantage over their closest competitors. With 65 points and only four matches lost all season, the team is in a strong position to not only win the Supporters' Shield but also potentially set a new MLS record for most points in a regular season, surpassing the New England Revolution's 73 points from 2021.
Team Performance and Messi's Impact
Lionel Messi, despite missing 15 MLS games due to national team commitments and a two-month recovery from an ankle injury, has been instrumental in Inter Miami's success. The team has recorded a 9-1-6 record with Messi in the lineup and an impressive 10-3-2 record without him, highlighting the depth and versatility of the squad.
Coach Tata Martino and the team emphasize the importance of focusing on one game at a time. Despite recent draws, the team remains committed to their goal of winning the Supporters' Shield and ultimately the MLS Cup. 'We are frustrated by having three draws in a row,' Martino said, 'but the story continues, and there are fewer games left'.
Upcoming Matches and Playoff Implications
Following the match against Columbus, Inter Miami will face Toronto FC on October 5 and New England Revolution on October 19 in their final regular-season matches. Securing the Supporters' Shield would not only give them the top seed for the MLS Cup playoffs but also set them up for a strong playoff run. The team's playoff journey will commence at home during the final weekend of October.
