Soccer

Lionel Messi scores twice as Inter Miami defeat Columbus Crew 3-2

The result saw Inter Miami secure the Supporters Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.

Columbus Crew’s Alexandru Matan, left, chases Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi (Jay LaPrete/AP)
Columbus Crew’s Alexandru Matan, left, chases Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi (Jay LaPrete/AP) (Jay LaPrete/AP)
By PA Sport Staff

A two-goal performance from Lionel Messi propelled Inter Miami to a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew which also wrapped up the MLS Supporters Shield for the Argentinian’s side.

Messi found the back of the net with a flurry of goals in the dying minutes of the first half en route to Inter Miami securing the award for the best regular-season record.

Columbus clawed a goal back at the start of the second half, but Luis Suarez restored Miami’s advantage in the 48th minute with a header into an empty net.

Juan “Cucho” Hernandez kept the Crew in the game when he converted a penalty in the 61st minute, but a later penalty attempt was saved by goalkeeper Drake Callender.

The result ensures Miami will have home-field advantage throughout the Major League Soccer playoffs.