Match report: Columbus Crew 2-3 Inter Miami: How it happened?

On Wednesday evening, Inter Miami hit the road to face Columbus Crew, needing a win to seal the supporters shield and the clubs second ever trophy.

For the task at hand, Gerardo Martino opted for a line up of; Callender; Weigandt, Fray, Allen, Alba; Bright, Busquets, Redondo; Messi, Suarez, Gomez.

It was a very dull affair to the game, with the first shot from either side not coming until the 34th minute, as Christian Ramirez fired wide from the edge of the box for the hosts.

Nevertheless, Inter Miami would take the lead. Messi controlled the ball well on the edge of the box, before turning onto his right foot. A defender was able to get a touch of the ball but it ricocheted into Messi's path and he was able to poke the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to help Inter Miami take the lead.

Then, on the stroke of half time, Messi scored a glorious free-kick to make it two for himself and two for Inter Miami, to put Martino's side well and truly in the ascendancy at half time with a two goal lead. It had been by far from the best first half, but when you have the GOAT, it doesn't need to be.

The start to the second half was absolutely crazy. Just 22 seconds in, and Columbus Crew had pulled one back via Diego Rossi. However, just two minutes later, a defensive mix up at the back including the Crew goalkeeper and a defender allowed Suarez to take advantage and restore Inter Miami's two goal lead.

However, around the hour mark, Allen conceded a penalty and Cucho Hernandez went straight down the middle with his penalty to make it 3-2.

Just as it looked like the home side had wrestled back the momentum, Rudy Camacho was sent off for his second yellow card in four minutes. In truth, it could have been for a straight red all the same.

Midway through the second half, Ruiz replaced Redondo. Seven minutes later, Krystrov was introduced for Weigandt.

With just under ten minutes remaining, the Crew were awarded their second penalty of the game, after another handball. This time, however, Callender was equal to Hernandez' spot kick.

There were three minutes on the clock when Gomez hobbled off to be replaced by Rojas.

Due to the goals, penalties, red cards, substitutions and VAR, the fourth official indicated a minimum of ten minutes stoppage time.

But Inter Miami held on and managed the game well to secure all three points, and with it, the supports shield - the second trophy the club have won since being founded in 2018. The play-offs are still to come, but for now - Inter Miami can and should enjoy the moment of being supporters shield winners. It's been a long grind of a regular season, but Inter Miami most definitely deserve this. Vamos.