Lionel Messi appeared teary-eyed on the field after winning his 46th career trophy in Columbus on Wednesday night.
The Argentine led Inter Miami over reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew to clinch the Supporters’ Shield, scoring a brace at Lower.com Field.
After the 3-2 victory in Ohio, Messi seemed to contain his emotions as he waited for the trophy ceremony. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner was red-faced as he spoke to teammate Luis Suarez on the pitch.
The tone would quickly change in the locker room as the Herons celebrated their second franchise trophy in the locker room. Images on the club’s X (Twitter) page showed the team wearing their winning uniform while Messi showed off his physique in the team photos.
Messi is also shown raising the shield with Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, whose suit was soaked from the champagne celebrations.
Lionel Messi was emotional after Inter Miami won the Supporter’ Shield over Columbus
The Copa America winner, who recently returned from an injury sustained in the final of this summer’s blockbuster tournament, scored his first goal of the night with a brilliantly cleared long ball from Jordi Alba.
He would score again just five minutes later with a sublime free kick to take Miami into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Columbus scored the first of the night just seconds into the game, only for Suarez to score Miami’s third after a comical mistake by the Crew backline.
The Crew would get closer to one thanks to a penalty from Cucho Hernández. But when faced with the same task again, he launched his kick to the same spot, which Miami goalie Drake Callender saved to preserve The Herons’ victory.
The Fan Shield is awarded to the team that finishes the season with the most points.
Messi celebrated with Inter Miami’s Jorge Mas after the Herons beat the Crew in a 3-2 victory.
The victory secured Inter Miami its second franchise title and the 46th trophy of Messi’s career.
Messi scored two goals in a row before the break before Luis Suarez scored the third.
Traditionally, in other leagues, this would mean winning the competition. However, MLS follows a format similar to traditional American sports, in which a knockout competition (MLS Cup) determines the league champions.
It is the second trophy that Inter Miami has won in its four years of existence after winning the Leagues Cup last season.
Inter Miami leads the MLS standings with a 20-8-4 record (WDL) and 68 points atop the Eastern Conference. Western Conference leaders LA Galaxy trail The Herons with 61 points and a 28-7-7 record.