LIONEL MESSI scored twice as Inter Miami won the MLS Supporters’ Shield.
The club owned by David Beckham beat champions Columbus Crew 3-2 last night to secure their second ever trophy.
Messi, 37, scored a brilliant double, including a stunning free-kick, before Luis Suarez wrapped up the win.
The three points meant they can now not be caught at the top of the MLS table with two games to spare.
Inter Miami will now play their all-important play-off games at home as they look to win the MLS Cup.
The Supporters’ Shield, which is handed to the side with the best regular season performance, is Messi’s 46th career trophy.
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He has carried the Florida-based club to glory, scoring 17 goals and getting 12 assists in just 19 games.
Messi said after the game: “I am happy. We took charge from the beginning, we had the players to do this.
“I am happy to secure the first objective and we are thinking of the next.”
Beckham also added via Instagram: “So proud to see our players lift the Supporters Shield after a great win in Columbus.
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“Another amazing achievement in the history of this football club and so happy to bring this trophy to the best fans in the League.
“Now we go again and on to the next one.”
There were wild celebrations in the dressing room with quartet Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Suarez and Messi all posing with the trophy to together.
Before the ex-Barcelona foursome’s arrival, Inter Miami were bottom of the MLS table.
The Supporters’ Shield is the club’s second piece of silverware since being founded in January 2018 after winning won the Leagues Cup last year just six weeks after Messi signed.
Messi’s glittering career
Barcelona
- 10x La Liga
- 7x Copa del Rey
- 7x Supercopa de Espana
- 4x Champions League
- 3x Super Cup
- 3x Club World Cup
PSG
- 2x Ligue 1
- Trophee des Champions
Inter Miami
- Supporters’ Shield
- Leagues Cup
Argentina
- World Cup
- 2x Copa America
- Finalissima
Individual
- 8x Ballon d’Or
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk