Inter Miami once again missed out on three points after a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC, with the Herons delaying their chance to make history in winning the Supporters’ Shield.
Lionel Messi bagged his first goal in three games as the Argentine international rescued a draw for Inter Miami having gone 1-0 down at home, with the Herons lucky that Shield rivals Columbus Crew were also held to a draw on the road against DC United.
With the two sides meeting on Wednesday, a win for Inter Miami will see the Herons finally secure the Supporters’ Shield having had the opportunity to lift their first piece of silverware this season in the last three games.
And Jordi Alba has now predicted when Inter Miami will make history and win the Supporters’ Shield.
Alba aiming to win with Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew next week
Speaking to the press after last night’s draw at Chase Stadium, Alba shared Inter Miami’s ambition to wrap up the Supporters’ Shield race next week at Columbus in what will be one of the biggest games of the year for the Herons.
Tata Martino himself has stated that Columbus are the best side in MLS even with Inter Miami still seven points clear at the top of the standings, with the Crew winning Leagues Cup this summer having made the CONCACAF Champions Cup final.
Yet for Alba, Inter Miami have enough to take on the Crew at their own ground and to secure the points needed to win the Supporters’ Shield, where history will be made for the Florida franchise in Ohio.
Alba said: “We’re still at the top, still leading, in first place, and that’s what’s important. It’s true that we’ve had opportunities to already clinch the league. Hopefully, on Wednesday against Columbus, we can win and seal the league title.”
Inter Miami need to show why they’re top of the Supporters’ Shield standings
Columbus might be the defacto best team in MLS based on their achievements away from the league this year, which makes it even more important why Inter Miami show why they’re top of the Supporters’ Shield standings heading into the final games of the season.
The Herons have been outstanding in MLS throughout the entire year and now have their star player in Messi back to full fitness and scoring again after two months away from action with an ankle injury.
And ahead of Wednesday’s massive tie, Inter Miami need to show Columbus and the rest of MLS why they’re the leading candidate for the Supporters’ Shield, a title that will see the Herons make history if they can clinch it in the coming days.