Messi Leads Inter Miami Past New England in Late Rally

Lionel Messi delivered a decisive performance for Inter Miami, providing a second-half assist and scoring the winning goal to secure a 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Sunday night in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The comeback win allowed the visitors to overtake New England in the Eastern Conference standings, moving into second place with one regular season match remaining.

The result improved Inter Miami's record to 16 wins, six losses, and 11 draws. This success marked the team's 10th road victory of the season, a total that is three more than any other club in the league. Conversely, the defeat snapped New England's four-game winning streak, dropping them to 18 wins, 11 losses, and four draws at home.

The first half ended in a 0-0 draw, with goalkeepers Dayne St. Clair for Miami and Matt Turner for New England each making two saves to keep the score level. The deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute when Dániel Gazdag scored for the home side. Gazdag received passes from defenders Ilay Feingold and Peyton Miller before firing a right-footed shot past St. Clair. It was Gazdag's second goal in 11 appearances this season.

The assists for the goal represented career highs for both contributors. Feingold recorded his fifth assist of the season, while 18-year-old Miller reached nine, a personal best for the young defender. The goal gave New England a 1-0 lead heading into the final stretch of the match.

Inter Miami responded in the 69th minute to equalize the score. Messi and Telasco Segovia combined to set up Germán Berterame for the equalizer. This marked the first goal contribution for Messi in three matches. Berterame continues to have an impressive debut season in Major League Soccer, currently tallying 10 goals and 10 assists.

The momentum shifted decisively in the 83rd minute when Messi struck the winning blow. Assisted by Segovia, who is enjoying a career-high season with 12 assists, Messi scored his 26th goal of the year. This total leads the league, and his 16 assists tie him for second most in the competition. With 42 total goal contributions, Messi leads the league by nine.

St. Clair finished the match with three saves, maintaining Inter Miami's strong away record of 10 wins, four losses, and three draws. Turner made three saves for New England, who have now lost two of their last three home games. The two teams had previously met in April, resulting in a 1-1 draw in Miami.

Inter Miami will conclude its regular season campaign on Saturday by hosting Charlotte FC. New England will also play on Saturday, traveling to Orlando to face Orlando City in their final regular season fixture.