It was just a year ago that Inter Miami finished their MLS season in 14th place with just a tally of 34 points. Fast forward to today, the Herons have achieved the impossible as they rightly take the crown of the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners thanks to their triumphant win over Columbus Crew. But what’s next for Miami? Lionel Messi has an answer to this question.

Following a close 2-3 win over the Ohio-based club, the Argentinian superstar was taken aside for a post-match interview to share his thoughts on the victory. As compiled by @psg_chief on X, when asked about the next step, Messi replied, “Achieving the most MLS points record is next, but the main objective has been achieved. Now we focus on what’s next. We have a big advantage in playing all our MLS Cup games at home, where we are very strong, and we have to prove that.”

While the objectives have been revealed, can they actually complete them? Well, speaking of the first one, the record for the most number of points is currently being held by the New England Revolution, having finished the 2021 season with a tally of 73. Thanks to a win over Columbus, Miami retained the first spot and has 68 points in their hands. If they manage to clinch a victory in their final two games against Toronto and New England Revolution, their projected tally will be 74.

This is a point more than what the Revolution achieved. However, all of this depends only if they manage to clinch the last ever 6 points in their 2024 regular season. The next achievement is, of course, giving their best in the MLS Cup. Winning that would be no less than icing on the cake for Miami but surely comes with its own challenges. But then again, Messi and Co. have left no signs of why they shouldn’t win the Cup as well. 

Lionel Messi heaps praise over Inter Miami’s collective ‘strength’ following Supporters’ Shield win

In the continued post-match interview, the FC Barcelona icon further expressed his pride in the work ethic of his fellow teammates. “Very happy with this team. As we said at the beginning of the season, we knew we had a team capable of competing. We took responsibility from the start, because we have the players capable of doing so,” he said, as compiled by @Intermiamicfhub on X.

“Happy to score the first goal, now we think about what’s next. Today we faced a strong opponent, the former champions, a great team and well-trained. Even with one player sent off, we suffered, but we held on until the end, and that shows the strength of our team,” concluded the skipper.

Once again, it was Messi who stood out with his display, scoring a first-half brace where he broke a deadlock with yet another stunning free-kick, also surpassing David Beckham’s record. The latter-half goal was from Luis Suarez, who netted his 18th MLS goal in the process. Before Columbus could even inspire a comeback with their two goals, they were left to just 10 men.

The final whistle blew as Inter Miami won the game to be crowned with the Supporters Shield. While they celebrate privately in their away dressing room, a special ceremony will be held possibly at the end of the season.