“Not Messi, not anyone else”, “Gave us the title” - Fans hail Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami teammate as reason for Supporters’ Shield win

Fans have hailed Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammate Drake Callender for his heroic performance in the side's 3-2 win over Columbus Crew in the MLS on Wednesday, October 2. The victory saw the Herons finish top of the table in the Eastern Conference, hence winning the Supporters' Shield.

Messi stole the headlines after scoring a first-half brace to lead Inter Miami to victory. However, fans were quick to point out the huge role that goalkeeper Callender played in the win. The 26-year-old saved an 84th-minute penalty with the score at 3-2 to deny Columbus Crew a comeback.

Notably, Callender also saved two penalties during the shootout of the Herons' League Cup title win over Nashville FC in August 2023. Whilst Lionel Messi was lauded for his contributions to the Supporters' Shield triumph, some fans on X also gave credit to the goalkeeper.

"Drake Callender has won #InterMiamiCF both trophies that sit in the cabinet, not Messi not anyone else. I will die on this hill and I'll fist fight you over this. So thank you for that and we are Supporter Shield winners and best team in the MLS," one fan praised the Inter Miami shot-stopper.

"Drake Callender gave us the tittle again," another fan wrote.

Some fans suggested that the Inter Miami goalkeeper has delivered more for Lionel Messi than Barcelona's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen:

"Drake Callender > ter Stegen. What a save," one user tweeted.

"Drake Callender has been a far better keeper for Messi than ter Stegen ever was. Another match saving performance today. He always steps up in these decisive moments," another opined.

"Inter Miami GK, Drake Callender has clutched more for Messi than Ter Stegan has ever done," a third fan commented.

Others praised the goalkeeper for the roles he has played in the club's two title wins:

"Certainly not to be forgotten: Drake Callender. He can be criticized plenty for his play with the ball at his feet, but he has now TWICE come up big in PIVOTAL moments for Inter Miami. The Leagues Cup shootout and tonight's penalty vs. Cucho Hernandez," one fan pointed out.

"Drake Callender is legit Inter Miami's guardian angel," another fan added.

Callender was also likened to Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez by some fans:

"Drake Callender for inter Miami tonight:," a user wrote.

"Dake Callender mvp absoluto" yet another fan hailed the goalkeeper.

Lionel Messi extends record for most trophies won in football

Lionel Messi extended his record for the player with the most trophies won in football after guiding Inter Miami to win the Supporters' Shield on Wednesday. The 37-year-old has now won 46 medals for club and country in his illustrious career.

He has won 35 titles with Barcelona, three with Paris Saint-Germain, six with Argentina, and now has two with Inter Miami. He will be hoping to guide Inter Miami into the playoffs and possibly win the club's first-ever MLS Championship.