Messi Scores Late Winner for Miami
A 2-1 comeback over New England secures second place in the Eastern Conference with one game left in the regular season.
By Giulia Donovan ·
Lionel Messi scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute to complete a comeback victory for Inter Miami. The 2-1 result against the New England Revolution on Sunday night shifted the standings in the Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami finishes the season in second place with a record of 16-6-11. They passed the New England Revolution, who stand at 18-11-4, by one point with one match remaining. The win marks the 10th road victory for Miami this season, a total three higher than any other club.
New England opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. Dániel Gazdag received a pass from defender Ilay Feingold and another from 18-year-old Peyton Miller before shooting past Dayne St. Clair. The goal was Gazdag's second in 11 appearances. It represented Feingold's fifth assist and Miller's ninth, both career highs for the players.
Germán Berterame tied the game in the 69th minute. Messi and Telasco Segovia both provided passes that led to the equalizer. It was the first goal contribution for Messi in three matches. Berterame now has 10 goals and 10 assists in his first Major League Soccer season.
Segovia assisted on the final goal, marking his 12th assist of the season. That number is a career high for the midfielder in his second full season. Messi leads the league with 42 goal contributions and 26 goals. He is tied for second in assists with 16.
Dayne St. Clark made three saves for Inter Miami. The team is now 10-4-3 away from home. Matt Turner turned back three shots for New England. The Revolution's four-match winning streak ended, leaving them 11-4-2 at home. The first half ended with no goals, with St. Clark making two saves and Turner making one.
Inter Miami hosts Charlotte FC on Saturday to finish the regular season. New England travels to Orlando City on the same day to complete their schedule.
