Lionel Messi hat Inter Miami led to the next track. With a brace including a dream goal 3:2 against Columbus Crew The world champion from Argentina played a key role in the victory, which means that Miami can no longer be pushed out of first place in the Major League Soccer table. In return, the team gets co-ownership David Beckham for the first time the so-called Supporters Shield. Inter Miami also has the home advantage throughout the upcoming playoffs in the North American professional league.
Messi made it 1-0 in the 45th minute and then made it 2-0 in stoppage time with a direct free kick from a long distance (45th+5). His buddy Luis Suarez restored the two-goal gap after the goal (48th minute). Columbus scored again and, despite being outnumbered, still had a great chance to equalize with a penalty. However, Inter goalkeeper Drake Callender parried the attempt and secured the title. For Messi it was that fifth double pack this MLS season, he’s coming in 17 games for 17 goals.
Miami will now safely open the playoffs with a home game on the last weekend in October. Should Miami prevail in the best-of-three series, Inter will also have home advantage in the following rounds. The Eastern Conference semifinals would be November 23rd or 24th, with the Eastern Conference finals a week after that. The MLS Cup against the winner of the Western Conference would then be on December 7th.