THERE are any number of ways for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to wrap up the Supporters’ Shield and claim the No 1 overall seed for the MLS Cup playoffs that start later this month.

Here’s the easiest path: Win tomorrow.

The preseason Major League Soccer title favourites — with a line-up featuring Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets — are on the brink of another trophy. They can clinch the Supporters’ Shield, given to the team with the top MLS regular-season record, tonight with a win at Columbus.