Historic Achievement

In a historic achievement, Inter Miami CF clinched their first-ever Supporters' Shield with a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday. This triumph guarantees that Lionel Messi and his talented teammates will finish the 2024 season at the top of the regular-season standings, marking a significant milestone in the club's journey.

Playoff Positioning

With this crucial win on Matchday 36, Inter Miami has secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the upcoming Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs and will enjoy home-field advantages at their stadium, Chase Stadium, during the playoffs, which kick off in late October. If they progress far enough, they could be competing for the MLS Cup on December 7.

Aim for Records

The Herons are not just aiming for playoff glory; they also have their eyes on breaking the single-season points record of 73 set by the New England Revolution in 2021. To do so, they must triumph in their last two matches of the regular season.

Playoff Game Hosting

For the first time in franchise history, Inter Miami will host a playoff game against the winner of the East Wild Card matchup, featuring the 8th and 9th seeds. Details regarding the complete postseason schedule are expected to be released soon.

Talented Roster

Inter Miami boasts a roster that's arguably the most talented in MLS history, spearheaded by global superstars Messi, who has amassed 17 goals and 15 assists this season, and Luis Suárez, leading with 18 goals and 6 assists. Both forwards are prominent candidates for the prestigious Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, showcasing immense skill and leadership alongside fellow FC Barcelona legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Coaching Success

However, the team's success isn't solely reliant on its veteran stars. Head coach Tata Martino has displayed exceptional managerial acumen in navigating a season marked by injuries, international call-ups, and the demands of multiple competitions. This strategic focus, combined with the vision of chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson, has allowed the team to fully utilize the depth of talent at their disposal.

Messi's Milestone

This milestone victory also marks a significant personal achievement for Messi, as it represents his world-record 46th trophy won for both club and country. This is the third title he has secured since joining Inter Miami last summer, following his success in the Leagues Cup 2023 and the 2024 Copa América.

Looking Ahead

As the playoffs loom and records are within reach, Inter Miami is poised to etch their name in MLS history. Will they continue their winning streak? Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Messi and the Herons can turn this momentum into playoff success.