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Lionel Messi scored a late winner as Inter Miami came from behind to beat the New England Revolution 2-1 on Sunday, moving into second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
The Argentine superstar’s 83rd-minute strike, after weaving past three defenders, secured all three points for Miami in a tense encounter between the conference rivals.
An own goal by Miami teammate Ian Fray four minutes later appeared to have handed New England an equaliser, but it was ruled out for a marginal offside following a video review.
Messi also produced an improvised assist with the back of his head to set up German Berterame’s equaliser after Daniel Gazdag had put New England ahead early in the second half.
The victory moved Miami one point ahead of New England with one match remaining. A win against Charlotte on Saturday will guarantee Miami home advantage through to the Eastern Conference final.
The result also secured Miami’s qualification for next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup.
“It was such an important occasion… they’re a very tough team, really difficult, so I think it was a tremendous effort,” Berterame said.
After a goalless first half, New England took the lead in the 53rd minute. Peyton Miller raced down the right flank and reached the byline before cutting the ball back. Ilay Feingold backheeled the pass into the path of Gazdag, who fired home.
Miami came close to equalising shortly after the hour mark when Berterame followed up on a Messi effort that had been saved by goalkeeper Matt Turner. However, Brooklyn Raines cleared his shot off the goal line.
The equaliser came in the 69th minute. Telasco Segovia floated the ball into the penalty area towards Messi, who was racing forward between two defenders. Messi improvised with a blind header off the back of his head, directing the ball into Berterame’s path for the finish.
Messi then produced the decisive moment in the 83rd minute. Collecting the ball just outside the penalty area, he turned and skipped past three challenges before curling a low left-footed shot into the far corner beyond United States national team goalkeeper Turner.
New England thought they had snatched a late equaliser with three minutes remaining when Fray inexplicably headed a hopeful cross from Luca Langoni into his own net despite facing no pressure. However, a video review ruled the New England substitute offside.
Elsewhere, the Eastern Conference’s final playoff places were decided on Sunday, with Columbus Crew and Orlando City both securing qualification after the 10th-placed New York Red Bulls lost 3-2 to Nashville SC.
Sam Sturridge scored a stoppage-time winner as Nashville came from two goals down to seal the victory.
The result took Nashville to 74 points, equalling the MLS record for the most points in a season, with one match still to play.
Nashville also lifted the Supporters’ Shield trophy at their home ground, Geodis Park, where they have remained unbeaten throughout the year. The club became the first team in MLS history to record 15 home victories in a season.
Higher-seeded teams will retain home advantage throughout the playoffs until the MLS Cup final, scheduled for December 18.
