Lionel Messi set up Germán Berterame’s equaliser and then scored an 83rd-minute winner as Inter Miami came from behind to beat New England Revolution 2-1 in Foxborough, moving to 59 points as his 26th goal tightened his grip on the MLS Golden Boot race.
Foxborough, Massachusetts: For 52 minutes at Gillette Stadium, Inter Miami could not find a way through. Then Dániel Gazdag put the Revolution in front, and Messi spent the next half-hour dragging his team back into a game that mattered for the top of the Eastern Conference.
Gazdag breaks the deadlock
The first half offered little. Berterame had Miami’s best chance in the 28th minute, a left-footed shot from the left side of the box that Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner saved. Neither side scored before the break.
New England made the first real mark in the 53rd minute. Gazdag took passes from defenders Ilay Feingold and Peyton Miller and drove a right-footed shot past Dayne St. Clair. It was his second goal in 11 appearances this season, and it handed the hosts a lead they held for 16 minutes.
Messi, Segovia and Berterame turn it around
The response came in the 69th minute. Telasco Segovia lofted a ball into the box, Messi helped it on, and Berterame headed in from the centre of the area to make it 1-1. Messi and Segovia were both credited with the setup.
Messi then took over. In the 83rd minute Luis Suárez found him outside the box, and Messi dribbled past three defenders, exchanged a pass with Segovia to get into the area, and finished low across the goalkeeper. It was his 26th league goal of the season and the winner. Segovia’s two assists in the match took his MLS total to 12.
Golden Boot and the table
The goal widened Messi’s lead in the Golden Boot race. FC Dallas striker Petar Musa is second with 22 goals, four behind, and with Miami’s one remaining regular-season game, only the final round stands between Messi and the award. Playoff goals do not count towards it. Messi also leads the league in goal contributions with 42, having added 16 assists to his goals.
The result ended New England’s four-match winning streak and lifted Miami to 59 points, one clear of the Revolution on 58 and second in the East behind Nashville, who lead on 74. Inter Miami needed a 90th-minute equaliser to draw 2-2 with FC Cincinnati recently, and Messi scored twice in four minutes in a 3-1 win at Atlanta United this month.
Miami close the regular season at home to Charlotte FC at Nu Stadium on Saturday. New England also play once more before the playoffs begin.
Result: New England Revolution 1-2 Inter Miami CF (MLS regular season, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough)
Scorers: Gazdag 53’ (NE); Berterame 69’, Messi 83’ (MIA)
Standings: Miami 59 points, New England 58, with one match left for each
