Football superstar Lionel Messi extended his reign as the most decorated player after lifting his 46th career trophy after helping Major League Soccer (MLS) Inter Miami beat the Columbus Crew 3-2 to win the Supporters’ Shield on Wednesday.
Two goals in five minutes highlighted another mesmerising Messi performance as he continues his stellar return to competitive action.
Messi, who was playing in his first full game back from injury, scored the game’s first two goals right at the cusp of halftime.
The Argentina Captain showed excellent composure under pressure after skillfully receiving a long pass from midfield before dismissing his markers inside the box and pushing his shot past the onrushing Columbus keeper to make it 1-0 in the 45th minutes.
Messi again showed his brilliance after closing the half with a superb curling free kick from just outside the box to double Inter Miami’s lead heading into the break.
That goal was Messi’s 30th in 34 appearances for the MLS club and his 740th career strike overall.
Former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez ensured the game the game
Second-half goals from Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernadez in the 46th and 61st minutes made the game competitive.
However, a 48th-minute Luis Suarez strike made the difference as the Miami-based team held on for a pulsating 3-2 win and their second silverware in club history.
The result adds the cherry on top of the stunning spell for the David Beckham-led Franchise, which also qualified for the MLS Playoff for the first time in the club’s history.
