(Columbus) Lionel Messi and Inter Miami won another trophy and home-field advantage for the duration of the MLS playoffs on Wednesday.
Messi scored two goals in the final minutes of the first half, goalkeeper Drake Callender saved a penalty shot in the 84the minute and Inter Miami defeated the Columbus Crew 3-2 to secure first place on the Garber Tour in the regular season.
This is a 46e major trophy for Messi, at club or for his country, which constitutes a record. This is a second trophy in MLS for the Argentinian after the League Cup won in 2023, shortly after his arrival with the Florida club.
Luis Suarez also scored for Inter Miami, who will begin the playoffs at home on the last weekend of October.
By winning their last two games this season, Messi’s gang could set an MLS record with 74 points. The New England Revolution finished at the top of the circuit in 2021 with 73 points.
With Messi in their lineup this season, Inter Miami has only lost once in 17 matches (10-1-6).