Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami edged out defending MLS champions Columbus Crew 3-2 to secure the Supporters' Shield, awarded for the best regular season record. Messi broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, capitalizing on a lucky deflection to score after chesting down a long ball into the box. Just minutes later, he doubled Miami’s lead with a superb free-kick, curling the ball into the corner past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

Columbus responded early in the second half, with Diego Rossi curling a shot into the far corner to make it 2-1. However, moments after the restart, a mix-up between Schulte and defender Rudy Camacho allowed Luis Suarez to head the ball into an empty net, extending Miami’s lead to 3-1.

The Crew fought back again, with Cucho Hernandez converting a penalty after Noah Allen's handball, making it 3-2. However, their momentum was halted when Camacho was sent off for a second yellow card after a dangerous challenge on Federico Redondo.

Late in the game, Columbus had a golden chance to equalize when a penalty was awarded for a handball by Ian Fray after a VAR review. But Hernandez’s weak penalty was saved by Miami keeper Drake Callender, securing the win for Miami.

Both teams could face each other again in the upcoming MLS Cup playoffs, with Columbus and Miami as Eastern Conference rivals.

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