Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates can clinch the MLS regular season title with a win in Columbus on Wednesday night, setting the stage for a potential championship run. The match will see the Herons face off against the defending MLS Cup champions, the Columbus Crew, in what promises to be an exciting showdown in Ohio’s capital (live coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1, FOX Deportes, and AppleTV).
Dressed in their iconic pink uniforms, Messi, alongside former Barcelona stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, has already made a significant impact on the league, leading Inter to victory in the inaugural Leagues Cup. They triumphed over 46 other teams from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, showcasing their talent and teamwork.
This summer, Messi added to his illustrious career by helping Argentina secure the 2024 Copa América title at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. While the Supporters Shield would mark his first trophy solely within MLS, the primary focus remains on winning the MLS Cup in front of their fans at Chase Stadium. Securing the top spot would also grant Miami home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The significance of clinching the Supporters Shield in Columbus is profound, as the city has become synonymous with American soccer. The Crew, led by Colombian striker Cucho Hernandez, have adopted an exciting, attacking style under coach Wilfried Nancy, making them formidable opponents.
As the two top teams in the Eastern Conference, this matchup is not just a battle for the Supporters Shield but also a preview of what could be a thrilling conference final later in the playoffs. With both teams performing at a high level, Wednesday’s game is poised to be one of the most anticipated matches of the MLS season.
The stakes are clear. Miami, boasting the second-best away record in MLS (9 wins, 2 losses, 4 ties), can secure the Supporters Shield with a victory at Lower.com Field. Meanwhile, the Crew, having played one game less, can close the gap to just five points with a win. The last encounter between these two teams saw Columbus come back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat a Messi-less Miami in the Leagues Cup, although Miami emerged victorious in their previous MLS clash in June.
Now back from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa América final, Messi has demonstrated his value on the field, contributing three goals and two assists in four games since his return. His performance last weekend against Charlotte, where he scored a vital equalizer, has set the stage for this crucial matchup.
