Messi's 26th Goal Sends Inter Miami to Second Place

Lionel Messi scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute to lead Inter Miami past the New England Revolution 2-1 on Sunday night. The late strike secured a comeback victory in Foxborough, Massachusetts, that moved the visitors into second place in the Eastern Conference.

The result leaves Inter Miami with one regular season game remaining. They now hold a record of 16 wins, six losses, and 11 draws. This win was the team's 10th on the road this season. That total is three more than any other club in Major League Soccer.

New England controlled the first half, which ended 0-0. Goalkeepers Dayne St. Clair and Matt Turner each made two saves to preserve the deadlock. Dániel Gazdag broke the tie in the 53rd minute for the home side. He finished a play involving defenders Ilay Feingold and Peyton Miller. The goal gave New England a 1-0 lead.

The assists for Gazdag marked career highs for both defenders. Feingold recorded his fifth assist of the season. Eighteen-year-old Miller reached nine assists, a personal best. New England had won four straight games before this match. The loss drops them to 18 wins, 11 losses, and four draws at home.

Inter Miami equalized in the 69th minute through Germán Berterame. Messi and Telasco Segovia created the chance. It was the first goal contribution from Messi in three matches. Berterame has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in his debut season.

Messi finished the game with 26 goals, the most in the league. He also has 16 assists, tying him for second in that category. His total of 42 goal contributions leads the competition by nine. Segovia provided the assist for the winner. He has 12 assists this season, a career high.

St. Clair made three saves in the win. Inter Miami will host Charlotte FC on Saturday to close the regular season. New England travels to Orlando to face Orlando City in its final match.