Lionel Messi inspires Inter Miami comeback win to move second in Eastern Conference

Lionel Messi scored the decisive goal as Inter Miami came from behind to beat New England Revolution 2-1 and move into second place in the Eastern Conference.

New England took the lead early in the second half when Daniel Gazdag found the net. Inter Miami responded through German Berterame in the 69th minute before Messi completed the turnaround seven minutes from time.

The equaliser began with an inventive contribution from Messi. Telasco Segovia delivered the ball into the penalty area, where Messi redirected it with the back of his head towards Berterame. The forward then finished the move to bring Inter Miami level.

Messi produced the winning moment in the 83rd minute. Collecting possession outside the penalty area, the Argentina forward dribbled past three defenders before sending a low left-footed shot into the far corner of the net, beyond United States goalkeeper Matt Turner.

The closing stages brought further drama when Inter Miami defender Ian Fray appeared to score an own goal. However, the effort was ruled out following a video assistant referee review, with substitute Luca Langoni judged to have been offside.

The result leaves Inter Miami one point ahead of New England Revolution, with both teams having one match remaining. A victory against Charlotte on Saturday would be enough to secure home advantage through to the Eastern Conference final.

Inter Miami have also guaranteed their place in next season’s Concacaf Champions Cup.

Elsewhere, Columbus Crew and Orlando City secured their places in the play-offs after New York Red Bulls were beaten 3-2 by Nashville.

Nashville mounted a notable comeback after falling two goals behind, with Sam Surridge scoring in added time to complete the win. The result took Nashville to 74 points, equalling the record for the highest points total in MLS history, with one match still to play.

Nashville had already secured the Supporters’ Shield by finishing top of the league standings. They also became the first team in MLS history to record 15 home victories in a single season without suffering a defeat at home.

Home advantage will remain with the higher-ranked team throughout the play-offs, up to and including the MLS Cup final, which is scheduled for 18 December.