Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on brink of remarkable MLS record after historic win

Inter Miami CF has clinched the Supporters' Shield after another triumphant victory on Wednesday. The award is given to the team with the best regular season record in MLS before they head into the playoffs for the MLS Cup.

Argentine icon Messi with his impressive tally of 17 goals and 15 assists, along with Luis Suarez's 18 goals, have propelled David Beckham's team towards a potential league record for the most points ever in a regular season.

The Florida-based team needs victories in their final two games against Toronto FC and New England Revolution to surpass the current record for most points in a season (73). With two more wins, Miami could reach 74 points.

• Luis Suarez looks unrecognizable as Liverpool legend shows off dramatic new look
• Lionel Messi escapes red card after shocking expletive-laden rant at MLS referee

Messi added another feather to his cap, securing his 46th major career title on Wednesday. He scored twice in the win over reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew, with Suarez also finding the back of the net in a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Messi opened the scoring 40 minutes into the game and then beautifully curled a free-kick into the top-left corner just before halftime.

The former champions retaliated shortly after the second half began, with Diego Rossi scoring a close-range goal within 25 seconds. However, Suarez extended Miami's lead by capitalizing on a goalkeeping error to head into an empty net.

Columbus was awarded two penalties, both taken by star striker Cucho Hernandez. One was successful, and one was missed, but Miami held on to secure the win and the trophy.

This marks his second trophy since joining the MLS, having played a key role in Miami's Leagues Cup victory last summer, just a month after his high-profile signing was revealed.

Similar to the NFL, Miami finishing as the top team in the regular season will earn them a bye in the playoffs. This means the team will have about two weeks off, giving stars like Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets a break before the playoff eliminators kick off on October 26.

The MLS playoffs will continue through November, culminating in the final, MLS Cup, scheduled for December 7 - a match where Messi's Inter Miami are considered the favorites.