Lionel Messi scored twice for Inter Miami as they came out as 3-2 winners over Columbus Crew.(Image: Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi shows true colours during Inter Miami dressing room celebrations

Inter Miami, who are par-owned by David Beckham, secured their place at the top of the MLS table on Thursday thanks to a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew with Lionel Messi scoring twice.

by · football.london

Lionel Messi helped secure Inter Miami’s top spot in the Major League Soccer (MLS) table with two goals, but he has already shown that concentration is on securing the title in the post-season play-offs.

Unlike in the English divisions, a place at the top of the MLS table at the end of the season does not mean that the team win the title. 18 teams instead go into a post-season play-off with the MLS Championship Cup final taking place in early December.

By finishing with the highest points total, Inter Miami have secured a home advantage for the play-offs. They have also been awarded the Supporters Shield.

Miami came out as 3-2 winners over Columbus Crew, with Messi scoring twice at the end of the first half. Former Liverpool man Luis Suarez was also on the scoresheet for the team owned by David Beckham.

After the game, Miami were presented with the Supporters Shield and celebrations followed in the dressing room. Clips show Jorge Mas, part owner of the club walking in with the shield and players jumping up and down while spraying champagne.

However, Messi is on the periphery of the celebrations and is seen walking away after just a few seconds. Speaking after the match, the Argentine, who secured his 46th trophy, already has eyes on the play-offs.

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"The first objective has been achieved and now we have to think about what's next," he said, via BBC Sport . "The first round is three games but then it's one game and anything can happen.

“But 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."

Miami have two games of the regular MLS season remaining. They face Toronto away on Sat 5th October (9pm BST kick-off), before hosting New England Revolution on Saturday, 19th October (11pm BST Kick-off).