Lionel Messi scored his MLS-leading 26th goal of the season to secure a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami over the New England Revolution on Sunday night.
Messi struck in the 83rd minute to give Miami three important points in the race for Eastern Conference playoff seeding. He had also assisted German Berterame’s 69th-minute equaliser.
The victory moved Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference with 59 points, one ahead of New England, with both teams having one regular-season match remaining.
Telasco Segovia provided assists for both Miami goals as the team ended a two-match winless run.
New England had taken the lead in the 53rd minute through Daniel Gazdag. Peyton Miller created the opportunity by beating Gonzalo Lujan before sending a pass into the penalty area. Ilay Feingold then used a backheel to set up Gazdag, who fired past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair from eight yards.
Miami responded with pressure. Messi forced Matt Turner into a diving save in the 65th minute, while Brooklyn Raines cleared Berterame’s rebound off the line.
Four minutes later, Berterame restored parity. Segovia delivered a lofted pass towards Messi, who kept the ball alive for the arriving forward to head powerfully into the bottom-right corner.
Messi then produced the decisive moment in the 83rd minute. He collected a loose ball about 30 yards from goal and dribbled past several defenders before finishing into the bottom-left corner. Segovia also helped keep the move alive before returning the ball to his captain.
New England thought it had equalised in the 87th minute through an apparent own goal, but a video review ruled Luca Langoni offside and the goal was disallowed.
The defeat ended New England’s four-match winning run and marked its first loss this season after leading or drawing beyond the 75th minute.
