Messi Leads Miami to Secure a 'Champions' Spot

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 after he dribbled past three defenders in the 83rd minute and proved sufficient to claim all three points. Meanwhile, an own goal by his Jamaican teammate Ian Hryhoryuk, scored four minutes later, was disallowed for offside after review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The 39-year-old Argentine had earlier provided an assist with a header to Mexican forward Germán Berterame, who equalized in the 69th minute, responding to Hungarian Daniel Gazdag’s opening goal early in the second half (53rd minute). With this result, 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 on Saturday 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.