Messi Magic Fires Inter Miami In 2nd Place After Comeback Win Over New England

Lionel Messi scored a stunning late winner to propel Inter Miami into second place in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference after a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over New England Revolution early on Monday.

The Argentine superstar produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 83rd minute, weaving past three defenders before firing a low left-footed effort into the far corner to complete Miami’s comeback and secure three crucial points.

Messi had earlier provided an improvised assist for German forward Germán Berterame, using the back of his head to direct the ball into his teammate’s path for the equaliser after Daniel Gazdag had given New England the lead.

The victory lifted Miami one point above New England with one match remaining in the regular season, putting them in a strong position to secure home advantage until the Eastern Conference Finals.

A victory against Charlotte on Saturday will guarantee Miami that advantage, while Sunday’s result also confirmed their qualification for next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup.

After a goalless first half, New England broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Peyton Miller raced down the right flank before delivering a cut-back into the penalty area.

Ilay Feingold cleverly backheeled the ball into the path of Gazdag, who made no mistake, smashing his effort into the net to put the hosts ahead.

Miami pushed for an equaliser and came close shortly after the hour mark. Berterame followed up on a Messi effort saved by goalkeeper Matt Turner, but his attempt was cleared off the line by Brooklyn Raines.

The visitors eventually drew level in the 69th minute through an unusual piece of brilliance from Messi.

Telasco Segovia floated the ball into the penalty area towards the advancing Argentine, who, under pressure from two defenders, improvised by directing it backwards off the back of his head into Berterame’s path.

The Mexican forward reacted quickly to finish and restore parity for Miami.

Messi then took matters into his own hands 14 minutes later, collecting the ball just outside the penalty area before spinning away from his marker and skipping past three challenges.

The 39-year-old capped his dazzling run with a precise left-footed strike into the far corner, leaving United States international Turner with no chance.

New England appeared to have snatched a dramatic equaliser three minutes from time when Miami defender Ian Fray inexplicably headed a hopeful cross from Luca Langoni into his own net.

However, the goal was ruled out following a video assistant referee (VAR) review after Langoni was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.

Berterame praised Miami’s performance, describing the victory as an important result against a difficult opponent.

“It was such an important occasion… they’re a very tough team – really difficult – so I think it was a tremendous effort,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference’s remaining play-off places were also settled on Sunday, with Columbus Crew and Orlando City securing qualification after New York Red Bulls suffered a 3-2 defeat to Nashville SC.

Sam Surridge scored a stoppage-time winner as Nashville recovered from two goals down to secure victory and move to 74 points, equalling the MLS record for the most points in a single season with one match still to play.

Nashville also lifted the Supporters’ Shield in front of their home fans at Geodis Park, where they have remained unbeaten throughout the year, becoming the first MLS side to record 15 home victories in a season.

Higher-seeded teams will retain home advantage throughout the post-season until the MLS Cup final, scheduled for December 18.