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Inter Miami can clinch Supporters’ Shield by beating Crew
Inter Miami is on the verge of securing its first-ever MLS Supporters’ Shield, needing just one more victory to seal their place as the best team in the 2023 regular season. Their opportunity comes this Wednesday in a crucial matchup against the Columbus Crew.
The Path to the Supporters’ Shield
With a league-leading 65 points (19 wins, 4 losses, 8 draws), Inter Miami is sitting atop the MLS standings, seven points clear of the Los Angeles Galaxy. A win against the Crew would guarantee Miami’s claim to the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record in Major League Soccer. This would be a historic achievement for Miami, marking their first such triumph since joining the league.
However, the Columbus Crew (16 wins, 5 losses, 9 draws, 57 points) still have a mathematical shot at closing the gap. A victory over Miami could pull them within five points of the Herons, keeping their faint title hopes alive. The Crew’s head coach, Wilfried Nancy, remains optimistic about his team’s chances, despite the odds.
“We still have something to play for,” Nancy said. “The idea is to be limitless and go all in. We’re going to give it our best and see how we perform against Miami.”
Recent Form and Key Challenges
Inter Miami’s road to the Supporters’ Shield has been marked by consistency, but their momentum has stalled slightly in recent weeks. After a five-game winning streak, they have drawn their last three matches. Although they remain firmly in control of the standings, these recent results have delayed what seemed like an inevitable clinching of the title.
Miami defender Jordi Alba acknowledged the pressure, stating,
“We’re still leading, and that’s what’s important. We’ve had opportunities to clinch, but hopefully, we can seal the deal against Columbus.”
This upcoming game is not just about securing the Shield—it could also propel Miami toward breaking the MLS points record, currently held by the 2021 New England Revolution (73 points). With three matches remaining against the Crew, Toronto FC, and New England themselves, Miami must win all three to surpass the Revolution’s record.
Messi’s Anticipated Return
A pivotal factor in this game is the likely return of Lionel Messi, who has been instrumental for Miami since joining the team in mid-2023. Messi has scored an impressive 15 goals in 16 MLS matches this season, making him a key contributor to Miami’s success. His presence in this match adds an extra layer of anticipation, as he’s expected to face Columbus for the first time this season.
Earlier this year, Messi missed two previous encounters against the Crew—one due to international duty with Argentina during Copa America, and the other because of an ankle injury. His return now could tip the scales in Miami’s favor, especially as they chase both the Shield and the points record.
The Crew’s Determined Challenge
Though the odds are stacked against them, the Columbus Crew are not backing down. With four matches left in their season, a victory over Miami would be crucial in keeping their distant hopes alive. Columbus has proven themselves a formidable opponent this season, and a win on Wednesday would send a strong message to the rest of the league.
Crew coach Wilfried Nancy emphasized the team’s mindset:
“We approach every game as an opportunity, no matter the odds. Against Miami, we’ll have to be at our best, but that’s what makes it exciting.”
A Historic Finish for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami has the opportunity not only to claim the Supporters’ Shield but also to cement their place in MLS history. Should they win their final three matches, they would set a new standard for excellence by breaking the league’s points record.
Wednesday’s match against the Crew marks a defining moment in what has already been a breakthrough season for Miami. With Lionel Messi leading the charge, the team will aim to secure their first-ever regular-season title and solidify their status as one of the best teams in MLS history.
Conclusion
Inter Miami’s quest for the Supporters’ Shield and potentially the league’s points record has captivated the soccer world. With Messi back in action and the team needing just one more win to secure their first title, Wednesday’s match against the Columbus Crew could mark the culmination of a remarkable season.
The stage is set for Miami to not only clinch the Shield but to continue their pursuit of greatness in what could be one of the most memorable campaigns in MLS history.
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