By Okon Ekpenyong, pictures by Columbus Crew

Lionel Messi, one of the most recognizable football stars in the last twenty years who captained Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, landed in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday night. It was for the Major League Soccer Supporter’s Shield title match between Inter Miami CF and Columbus Crew at the Lower.com field. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for football fans to witness one of the greatest players in action, even for those who aren’t die-hard football fans.

The Supporter’s Shield, a prestigious award established in 1999, is bestowed upon the best team in the league’s regular season. It is a testament to a club’s unwavering consistency and excellence throughout the season, honoring their hard work and achievements. The Shield also injects an additional layer of competition into the league, making it a highly coveted prize.

Since Messi joined Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF in July 2023, the league has experienced remarkable growth. T.V. ratings and attendance have increased, and his presence has brought international attention to the league. Miami has also recruited other global players, such as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, significantly strengthening the team’s roster and positioning it as one of the best in the league. With these additions and other players in the lineup, Miami continues to impact the league substantially.

Before joining Major League Soccer, the superstar played in La Liga League, renowned for its top-tier football and home to powerhouses like Real Madrid and Messi’s former club, Barcelona, where he secured numerous titles and individual awards.

The match between Columbus Crew and Inter Miami CF at the Lower.com Stadium was the talk of the town, especially for the rapidly growing Central Ohio. The region’s diverse mix of Afrocentric, Hispanic, Western, Northern, Southern, and Eastern traditions and cultures united to support their team, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

Lionel Messi’s two crucial goals just before half-time were the match’s turning point, propelling Miami to a narrow 3-2 victory over the Crew and securing the club’s first-ever Supporter’s Shield. This remarkable feat catapulted the team to the top spot in the regular season standings. With 36 wins, Miami has clinched the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference as they gear up for the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs shortly after the season concludes on October 19.

This Trophy marks Messi’s 46th career win for his clubs and country. As an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, this is his third league title since joining the club in 2023, having previously secured the league cup in 2023 and the 2024 Copa America.

After Messi scored the first goal of the match at the 45-minute mark, he added another extra time before half-time, putting Miami up 2-0. However, the Crew’s Rossi scored in the 46th minute, cutting the lead to 1-2. Then, in the 48th minute, another superstar, Suarez, who has an extensive international career and later joined Messi in Miami, put Miami back up 3-1. Despite Miami’s potent offense and defense, the Crew continued attacking. Eventually, Cucho Hernandez capitalized on a penalty kick, cutting the lead to 2-3. The Crew’s Camacho received a red card in the 63rd minute, leaving the team with ten players on the field.

“Being at lower.com field, surrounded by thousands of fervent Columbus Crew fans, was electrifying. I witnessed greatness unfold before my eyes, exceeding my wildest expectations,” Crew fan said.

Aden Mohamed, co-founder of Hidden Talent F.C., a youth development soccer program on Columbus’ west side, also attended the Wednesday night game. He reflected on Lionel Messi’s presence as a Columbus resident. “Seeing Messi play in my backyard was surreal. As a lifelong fan, watching someone I’ve admired since childhood was humbling. I had to put my phone away and soak in the moment. What made it even more special was thinking about my young son, now a Messi fan, and how much he would’ve loved it. I couldn’t wait to share the experience with him through photos and videos.”

“I was on edge watching this game! The Miami coach’s decisions baffled me. Why not sub out Suarez for Taylor, especially with two tired players struggling to track back and help the defense? Columbus was taking control, even with a player suspended,” another fan said.”

The Crew, the current MLS Cup league champion, came close to clinching their third Shield in the franchise’s history. They previously took home the award in 2004, 2008, and 2009, boasting the best regular season record in the league. In 2023, F.C. Cincinnati secured the Supporter’s Shield, but they currently hold the fourth position this season. L.A. Galaxy is maintaining the second spot, while Columbus is in third place.

“We were close to coming back and tying the game, and maybe, I don’t know, we would win the game after that. When I watched the three goals that we conceded, for sure we cannot give a goal like this because it’s all about details. We got punished for that,” Wilfried Nancy, Crew Head Coach, said.

“Cucho Hernández had another chance to level the game at 3-3 with a second penalty kick, but goalkeeper Callender made the save, securing the win for Messi and his team,” stated a devoted Inter Miami CF supporter.

Despite the tough loss, the Crew still have three games left in the season and currently hold the second position in the Eastern Conference. Their next two games will be played at home, first against Philadelphia on 10/5 at 7:30 and then against New England on 10/12 at 7:30. After that, they will head to Red Bull Arena to take on New York.

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