Messi's Late Winner Lifts Inter Miami Past New England and Into Second in the East

Lionel Messi delivered again when Inter Miami needed him most, scoring a late winner to complete a 2-1 comeback over the New England Revolution on Sunday night.

New England took the lead in the 53rd minute through Dániel Gazdag, in front of a season-high crowd of 54,112 at Gillette Stadium. Miami leveled in the 69th minute when Messi assisted Germán Berterame's equalizer, then Messi struck himself in the 83rd minute, his league-leading 26th goal of the season, weaving past multiple defenders before finishing.

The win moved Inter Miami to 16-6-11 and 59 points, one point ahead of New England (18-11-4, 58 points) into second place in the Eastern Conference with one regular-season match remaining. It also clinched Miami a spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup and snapped a two-match winless run.

There was late drama still to come. New England thought they had equalized in the 87th minute, but the apparent own goal was overturned after video review ruled Luca Langoni offside in the buildup. The result ended New England's four-match winning streak.

For Messi, the goal-and-assist performance also strengthened his case for a historic third straight MLS MVP award and a second consecutive Golden Boot, with 26 goals and 16 assists on the season. Miami close the regular season at home to Charlotte, while New England visit Orlando City.