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Lionel Messi provided an amusing response after he was handed the Supporters' Shield by Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas in the dressing room. The Herons managed to claim the top spot in the regular season league table of the Eastern Conference after 32 matches.
They achieved this feat after defeating Columbus 3-2 on Wednesday (October 2), a game in which the Argentine icon bagged a brace. This means that the Florida-based side has racked up 68 points in the matches they've played so far, 11 clear of second-placed Columbus.
What this also does is make it impossible for any side to catch Inter Miami even after teams have played their quota of 34 matches. After being handed the Supporters' Shield, Messi, who managed to lift it, said (via @AlbicelesteTalk):
"Uh, it's heavy."
There were question marks over Messi's impact on this match as he struggled to get back to his best form after returning from injury. He missed nearly two months of club action after hurting his ankle in the Copa America this summer.
However, the 37-year-old has contributed massively to the Herons' league campaign success this season. He's played 17 matches in the MLS, bagging 17 goals and producing 10 assists in the process.
Now, Inter Miami have two more regular season games lined up before the start of the playoffs. They first take on Toronto on Saturday (October 5) before hosting New England at the Chase Stadium on October 19.
These matches will also give the management the perfect opportunity to rest Messi and have him ready for the playoffs.
David Beckham sends message to Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team after winning Supporters' Shield
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was quick to share his support for Lionel Messi and Co. as they managed to secure the Supporters' Shield on his Instagram account.
Taking to the social media platform, the former Manchester United star shared an image of the team with the trophy. Along with these pictures, he wrote in the caption:
"So proud to see our players lift the Supporters Shield. After a great win in Columbus. Another amazing achievement in the history of this football club and so happy to bring this trophy to the best fans in the League."
This success marked the first time that Inter Miami managed to win the Supporters' Shield. The Herons are also a team who are yet to lay their hands on the MLS trophy.
