Messi Leads Inter Miami to Qualify for 'CONCACAF'
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Messi scored and assisted the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over New England Revolution, securing qualification for the CONCACAF Cup.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Argentine star Lionel Messi scored a late goal following a decisive assist, leading his team, Inter Miami, to a crucial 2-1 victory over host New England Revolution, their direct rival in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer, thereby securing their place in next season’s CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Messi’s goal, scored by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner for the world’s best player, came in the 83rd minute after he dribbled past three defenders, proving sufficient to claim all three points. Meanwhile, a own goal scored by his Jamaican teammate Ian Harkes four minutes earlier was disallowed for offside after review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The 39-year-old Argentine had previously provided an assist with a header to Mexican striker Germán Berterame, who equalized in the 69th minute, responding to Daniel Gazdag’s opening goal for New England early in the second half (53rd minute).
Inter Miami moved back up to second place, extending their lead over New England to one point with one match remaining in the season. This means that a victory over fifth-place Charlotte FC would guarantee them home-field advantage through the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The win also secured Miami’s spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup.
