Lionel Messi is determined to win another trophy with Inter Miami this season.
The Argentinian icon has stormed back to form since his return a summer ankle injury, and he scored twice, as Tata Martino's side won the Supporters Shield via a 3-2 victory over rivals Columbus Crew.
Messi's two goals sealed Inter Miami's first title of the season after captaining them to Leagues Cup glory in his first campaign in August 2023.
MORE: All the latest soccer action | Lionel Messi news
As the regular season winds to its conclusion, attention switches to the MLS Cup playoffs, as a confident Messi aims to propel his teammates to potential glory.
Inter Miami have booked their place in the MLS Cup playoff First Round and Messi is determined for it to be a stepping stone for more.
"The first objective has been achieved and now we have to think about what's next", he said at full-time.
"The first round is three games, but then it's one game, and anything can happen. We have the great advantage of playing all the games at home, which is what we were looking for. We are very strong at home."
Lionel Messi's career trophies, titles won
Securing the Supporters Shield is Messi's second trophy at Inter Miami and the 46th piece of silverware in his incredible career for club and country.
Se disfruta más entre amigos 🏆🩷 pic.twitter.com/XfPgyj97aI
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 3, 2024
He is currently on at hot streak with Argentina, winning three successive major titles, via the 2021 and 2024 Copa America crowns, either side of his first FIFA World Cup in 2022.
How do the MLS Cup playoffs work?
Inter Miami have secured a spot in the First Round of the MLS Cup playoffs where they host the first game, in a 'best out of three' scenario, against the winner of a preliminary qualification 'wildcard' game.
If they win through to the next phase (semifinals), it is a single-game clash, followed by a Conference final (Eastern for Inter Miami).
That is followed by a one-off MLS Cup final game, against the winner of the Western Conference side of the draw, and Inter Miami will have home advantage if they make it through.
