FOXBOROUGH: Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over the New England Revolution on Sunday, scoring a late winner and providing an assist to move his side into second place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
The 39-year-old Argentine superstar produced another match-winning performance, helping Miami secure three valuable points in a closely contested encounter.
Messi scored in the 83rd minute after weaving past three defenders before sending a low left-footed shot into the far corner beyond goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Earlier, he had provided an improvised assist for German Berterame, using the back of his head to direct the ball into the striker’s path for Miami’s equaliser.
New England Take the Lead
The first half ended without a goal, but New England broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart.
In the 53rd minute, Peyton Miller advanced down the right flank and delivered a cut-back towards the penalty area. Ilay Feingold backheeled the ball into the path of Daniel Gazdag, who finished powerfully to put the hosts ahead.
Miami responded with increased attacking pressure and nearly equalised shortly after the hour mark.
Berterame followed up on a Messi effort that had been saved by Turner, but his attempt was cleared off the goal line by Brooklyn Raines.
Messi and Berterame Turn the Match Around
Miami eventually found the equaliser in the 69th minute through an unusual piece of Messi creativity.
Telasco Segovia sent a high ball into the penalty area towards the advancing Argentine. With defenders closing in, Messi redirected it using the back of his head, allowing Berterame to finish and bring Miami level.
The visitors continued pushing forward, and Messi completed the comeback in the 83rd minute.
Collecting the ball just outside the penalty area, he turned sharply, escaped three challenges and curled a precise left-footed effort into the far corner.
New England appeared to have rescued a late equaliser when Miami defender Ian Fray headed Luca Langoni’s cross into his own net. However, a video review ruled the goal out for a marginal offside involving New England substitute Langoni.
Lionel Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beat Atlanta United
Miami Strengthen Playoff Position
The victory moved Inter Miami one point ahead of the New England Revolution with one regular-season match remaining.
Miami will secure home advantage through to the Eastern Conference Finals if it defeats Charlotte on Saturday.
The result also confirmed the club’s qualification for next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Berterame described the victory as an important achievement, praising the team’s effort against a difficult opponent.
Nashville Match Historic MLS Record
Elsewhere, the final Eastern Conference playoff places were decided on Sunday after the New York Red Bulls suffered a 3-2 defeat against Nashville SC.
Columbus Crew and Orlando City secured qualification following the result.
Nashville completed a remarkable comeback after trailing 2-0, with Sam Sturridge scoring a stoppage-time winner to seal the victory.
The result took Nashville to 74 points, equalling the record for the most points accumulated by a team in MLS history, with one match still remaining.
The club also lifted the Supporters’ Shield at Geodis Park, where it remained unbeaten throughout the year and became the first team in MLS history to record 15 home victories in a season.
Higher-seeded teams will retain home advantage throughout the postseason leading up to the MLS Cup final, scheduled for December 18.
