Lionel Messi Scores Late Winner as Inter Miami Beat New England to Climb Second in MLS East

Posted : 02 November 2026

Lionel Messi delivered another match-winning performance as Inter Miami came from behind to defeat the New England Revolution 2-1, moving into second place in the MLS Eastern Conference.

The Argentine superstar scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute after helping Germán Berterame equalise earlier in the second half. The victory gave Miami a one-point advantage over New England with one regular-season fixture remaining and secured qualification for the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Following a goalless opening period, New England broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart. Peyton Miller created the opportunity with an impressive run down the right before Ilay Feingold's backheel set up Dániel Gazdag, who finished confidently past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Miami responded by increasing the pressure and came close to drawing level in the 65th minute. Messi forced New England goalkeeper Matt Turner into a save, but Berterame's follow-up effort was cleared off the goal line by Brooklyn Raines.

The visitors eventually found their equaliser in the 69th minute through an unusual but effective combination between Messi and Berterame. Telasco Segovia delivered a lofted pass into the penalty area, where Messi improvised with a backward header that allowed Berterame to finish with a powerful effort.

Messi then took responsibility for completing the comeback. After receiving the ball outside the penalty area, the 39-year-old dribbled past several New England defenders before combining with Segovia and sending a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

The goal was Messi's 26th in the MLS regular season, strengthening his position at the top of the league's scoring charts. He also recorded his 16th assist of the campaign with Berterame's equaliser.

New England appeared to have rescued a point late in the contest when Ian Fray inadvertently headed Luca Langoni's cross into his own net. However, the goal was disallowed following a video review, with Langoni ruled offside during the build-up.

The result ended New England's four-match winning streak and moved Inter Miami above their Eastern Conference rivals into second place. Miami now need victory against Charlotte in their final regular-season match to guarantee home advantage through the Conference Finals.

The win also strengthened the club's preparations for the MLS Cup playoffs, while confirming Messi's continued influence as Inter Miami pursue another successful campaign.

Lionel Messi Scores Late Winner as Inter Miami Beat New England to Climb Second in MLS East

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