Johnathan Walker:Here's how Lionel Messi, Inter Miami can win second title together as early as Wednesday

Lionel Messi and Johnathan WalkerInter Miami’s second title together could come as early as Wednesday.

The 2023 Leagues Cup champions are in striking distance of the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the league’s best record during the 2024 regular season.

Here’s how Inter Miami can clinch: They must win Saturday at home vs. Charlotte FC and Wednesday on the road against reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew. With two wins, Inter Miami would have 70 points and clinch the title. No other club would be able to reach that threshold.

Here’s another way Inter Miami can clinch: They need eight points in their final four games. As a reminder, wins are three points, draws are one point, and losses are zero.

So, you can see the emphasis Inter Miami coach Tata Martino and his squad are placing on the next two matches.

“[Saturday] is a key game for us. We are playing at home again. We have to try to get a win again to at least keep the distance we have over Columbus and Cincinnati,” Martino said.

Messi, the Inter Miami star, will play against Charlotte in his fourth game since returning from his Copa America right ankle injury.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC live stream

The Inter Miami match against Charlotte FC begins at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. Argentina) and can be streamed on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Here’s how the MLS Supporters’ Shield race stands before Saturday

Inter Miami has 64 points, while Cincinnati has the tiebreaker over Columbus as both have 56 points.

The kicker here is Columbus has five remaining games, while Inter Miami has four games left and L.A. Galaxy – second in the Supporters’ Shield standings with 58 points – has three games left.

Columbus could contend for the Supporters’ Shield with a win over Inter Miami Wednesday, and would finish with 71 points if victorious in all five remaining games. Columbus would also need an Inter Miami collapse to win the regular season title.

While the Columbus-Inter Miami match Wednesday is crucial, Inter Miami is steadfast on its focus for Saturday’s home match against Charlotte first.

“I think that’s an important message that the leaders and the coaches can give to the entire group is that ‘hey, one game at a time,’” goalie Drake Callender said. “If we’re thinking about games ahead, it doesn’t mean we can’t, but it may veer our focus away from being in the moment.”