The boots of Lionel Messi produced magic once again as the Argentine maestro bagged two goals in quick succession to help Inter Miami defeat the Columbus Crew 3-2 – securing the Supporters Shield for the Herons.
The Copa America winner – who only recently came back after an injury sustained in the final of this summer’s blockbuster tournament – scored his first goal of the night off a brilliantly picked out long ball from Jordi Alba.
He would score again just five minutes later off a sublime free kick to take Miami into the half up 2-0.
Columbus, the reigning MLS Cup champions, scored their first of the night within seconds of kickoff – only for Luis Suarez to bag Miami’s third after a comical error from the Crew backline.
The Crew would go back within 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 preserve the victory for The Herons.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored the goals that clinched the Supporters Shield for Miami
As a result, Miami wins the Supporters Shield – the trophy given out to the team that finishes the season with the most points.
Traditionally, in other leagues, this would signify winning the league. However, in MLS, they follow a format similar to traditional American sports – in which a knockout style competition (MLS Cup) determines the league’s champions.
It’s the second trophy that Inter Miami have won in their four years of existence after winning the Leagues Cup last season.
Two goals were scored early on by both teams – but they were disallowed due to offside.
Deadlocked on the doorstep of halftime, Alba spotted Messi on a run and hit a well-timed lofted ball through the air.
The Argentine magician chested it down, then chopped it back to his right foot. A Columbus defender tried toe-poking the ball away, but Messi’s forward momentum kept the ball in his path. A feather touch on the ball was all that was required to get it past Crew keeper Patrick Schulte to take the 1-0 lead.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
Source From: Football | Mail Online
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