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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Inter Miami lead Supporters' Shield standings</li><li>Messi sets trophy goals for Inter Miami</li><li>Herons have already qualified for the playoffs</li></ul>

Lionel Messi aiming to end 2024 with Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup for Inter Miami

<p>Inter Miami have not always had access to Messi's services this season, as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has struggled with multiple injuries. However, Tata Martino's men have not struggled to get results, with Luis Suarez leading the Herons' attack as they hold a commendable lead in the MLS Eastern Conference and the Supporters' Shield standings. After his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-lionel-messi-brace-inter-miami-right-foot-assist-luis-suarez-returns-mls-injury/blt604c973455322166" target="_blank">spectacular return to action for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union</a>, Messi has now set a target for his to win the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup, bringing his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/one-more-record-breaking-lionel-messi-celebrates-trophy-win-no-45-wife-antonela-three-sons-join-argentina-copa-america-celebrations/blt200b8b09f6457b50" target="_blank">record-setting haul of trophies to 46</a>.</p><div class="affiliate-button-container theme-1" data-name="Apple TV"><div class="affiliate-button"><img class="logo" height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" style="width: 72;height: 40;"><span class="affiliate-text">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</span></div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" class="affiliate-button-link" target="_blank">Stream games now</a></div>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Speaking to the media, Messi said: "As we said at the beginning, we know the squad we have, and [winning the Supporters' Shield] is a goal. We are realistic and take responsibility.</p><p>"The truth is that throughout the year, we had a lot of bad luck with injuries. We were never at full strength – due to one thing or another, we were always missing players, but the team always pushed forward. Today, we are in first place with a big lead, and deservedly so. Hopefully, we can finish at the top for what it means and for what's to come after as well."</p><p></p>

WHAT MESSI SAID

<p>With six games remaining in the regular season, Inter Miami have already booked their place in the MLS playoffs - and they will hope to go on and lift the ultimate MLS Cup prize. Currently, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/mls-power-rankings-2024-matchday-26/blt7b2c3e39694d2b07" target="_blank">they hold a seven-point lead over LA Galaxy</a> with games running out and remain on pace to set a single-season points record of 62.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The Herons will look to end the regular season on a strong footing, with four of their remaining six matches being away from home. They visit Atalanta United on Wednesday, September 18 before traveling to the Big Apple for a clash with New York City FC on Saturday, September 21.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Lionel Messi aiming to end 2024 with Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup for Inter Miami | Goal.com US

Inter Miami are going well in MLS and Lionel Messi has set the Herons a target of claiming two pieces of silverware before the season ends.