Messi's late winner sends Inter Miami to second place and Champions Cup

Lionel Messi scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute to lift Inter Miami to a 2-1 comeback victory over New England Revolution. The victory moved Miami into second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 59 points from 33 matches.

New England took the lead early in the second half when Daniel Gazdag scored in the 53rd minute. German Berterame equalized for Miami in the 69th minute after receiving an improvised assist from Messi.

“It was such an important occasion...they're a very tough team — really difficult — so I think it was a tremendous effort.”

Messi then dribbled past three defenders to score the decisive goal in the 83rd minute. An own goal by teammate Ian Fray four minutes later was disallowed for marginal offside.

The win secured Inter Miami's place in next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup. It also guaranteed home advantage until the Conference Finals if Miami beats Charlotte in their final match.

Messi now has 26 goals and 13 assists in the 2026 MLS season, leading Petar Musa of FC Dallas by four goals with one round remaining. He is on track to win the MLS Golden Boot for a second consecutive season.

Berterame called the match a tremendous effort against a very tough team. Inter Miami will host Charlotte FC on November 8 at 4:00 AM local time.