In a thrilling match on October 2, 2024, Inter Miami triumphed over Columbus Crew with a score of 3-2, securing the Supporters’ Shield. This victory adds to Lionel Messi’s impressive trophy collection, extending his record as the most decorated soccer player in history, with a total of 46 team trophies.
Messi’s accolades include an extraordinary array of titles: 12 league championships, four UEFA Champions League titles, two Copa América victories, and a FIFA World Cup trophy. The Supporters’ Shield marks his second trophy with Inter Miami, following their successful campaign in the 2023 Leagues Cup. Despite missing 15 games this season due to injuries and international commitments, Messi has made a significant impact, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists in just 16 appearances. He currently leads his team in assists and is second in goals, trailing only his compatriot Luis Suárez.
The match against Columbus Crew was particularly important for Inter Miami, which had previously faced three consecutive draws in the MLS against Atlanta United, New York FC, and Charlotte FC. This victory not only represents a significant achievement for the club but also highlights the shift in expectations since the arrival of global superstars like Messi, Suárez, and Jordi Alba.
Tata Martino, Inter Miami’s head coach, emphasized the transformation of the team. “We were a team that usually lost for years, and now we’re a team that usually wins, and that raises expectations,” he noted before the match. He acknowledged the hard work put in by the squad to reshape the team’s reputation, especially given the challenges posed by injuries and international duties.
Messi’s trophy haul throughout his career remains a topic of discussion. While he is credited with 46 titles, some debate exists around certain trophies, such as the 2005 Spanish Supercup, in which he did not participate. Nonetheless, the breakdown of his achievements includes:
Barcelona: 35 titles
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): 3 titles
Inter Miami: 2 titles
Argentina National Team: 6 titles
Looking ahead, Inter Miami’s next major goal is the MLS Cup. With a total of 68 points in the regular season, they finished ahead of Los Angeles Galaxy by 10 points to clinch the Supporters’ Shield. Additionally, the team is well-positioned to secure the Eastern Conference title, leading Columbus by 11 points.
As Inter Miami continues its successful campaign, the club aims to solidify its position as a dominant force in Major League Soccer, with Messi leading the charge.
