Foxborough,Nov 3:
Lionel Messi produced another decisive performance, scoring the winning goal and setting up the equaliser as Inter Miami came from behind to beat New England Revolution 2-1 in Major League Soccer on Sunday. The victory lifted Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference, moving them one point ahead of New England with just one match remaining in the regular season.
New England looked set to strengthen their hold on second place after Dániel Gazdag broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. The midfielder converted a well-worked move involving Peyton Miller and Ilay Feingold, putting the hosts ahead after a goalless first half. Miller’s contribution was particularly notable, with the 18-year-old registering his ninth assist of the season.
Miami responded with greater attacking urgency and drew level in the 69th minute. Telasco Segovia delivered a lofted ball into the penalty area towards Messi, who improvised with a backward header to direct it into the path of Germán Berterame. The forward made no mistake, finishing from close range to bring the visitors back into the contest.
The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute when Messi took matters into his own hands. Collecting the ball outside the penalty area, the Argentine worked his way past several defenders before driving a left-footed shot into the far corner. It was his 26th league goal of the season, extending his lead in the MLS scoring charts. Segovia provided the assist, completing a productive evening with contributions to both Miami goals.
New England briefly appeared to have rescued a point when Miami defender Ian Fray turned the ball into his own net late in the match. However, the effort was ruled out following a video review, with Luca Langoni adjudged to have been offside in the build-up. The decision preserved Miami’s advantage and ended New England’s four-match winning run.
The result takes Inter Miami to 59 points, one ahead of New England on 58, with both sides having one regular-season fixture remaining. Miami will host Charlotte FC in their final match, knowing that a victory would secure home advantage through the Eastern Conference final. The win also guarantees Miami a place in the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup, giving Messi and his teammates another continental campaign to look forward to.