Lionel Messi scored the go-ahead goal as Inter Miami CF beat the New England Revolution 2-1 on Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, securing the club’s place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. The win also moved Miami past the Revs into second place in the Eastern Conference, with one regular-season game remaining.
“It makes me very happy for the players and for the club, we are on the side of contributing things,” Miami manager Cristian González said after the game. “We are at a club that is in continuous growth, I have players committed to us. We needed to win and we challenged ourselves on what kind of team we wanted to be.”
Revolution Strike First After Scoreless Opening Half
The Revolution controlled much of the first half, registering six total shots and five corner kicks while generating an expected goals figure of 0.75. Neither side could score before the break, and the match stood 0-0 at halftime.
Dániel Gazdag broke the deadlock in the opening minutes of the second half, connecting with Ilay Feingold inside the box before finding the back of the net.
Berterame and Messi Turn the Match Around
Germán Berterame equalized for Miami in the 69th minute, finishing a chance set up by a deft backward header from Messi. González then strengthened his attack after the leveling goal by bringing on Luis Suárez, who had started Miami’s previous 25 games.
González explained the tactical adjustments. “We knew we were going up against a rival that tries to seek out duels where they defend high, so the possibility of changes was to have depth, look for the spaces, and the one-on-one matchups. We struggled with ball possession, which at times was very passive,” he said. “My message to the players is I need everyone. In this case, we believed we needed to make some changes.
“This doesn’t mean this is the team that’s going to start the playoffs. Everyone shows me they’re eager to want to play.”
Messi then gave Miami the lead. He dribbled past defenders outside the box and smashed a trademark low, left-footed shot past Revs goalkeeper Matt Turner. The Revolution nearly pulled level soon after, but an own goal by Ian Fray was ruled offside, allowing Miami to hold on.
Miami Secures Champions Cup Berth
Messi’s goal proved decisive. Had Miami lost or drawn, the club would have needed to still earn a spot on Decision Day, Nov. 7, to reach North America’s top club competition.
González praised his captain after the match. “I have no doubt that he’s the best of all,” González said of Messi. “None of them can compare to him when it comes to respect for his colleagues. Leo at his age and what he does, from my point of view, deserves the MVP and also the Ballon d’Or. I hope he can achieve it.”
Inter Miami now joins Nashville SC, the Revolution and the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. The winner of the 2026 MLS Cup will also earn a place in the competition.
Miami now has 59 points from 33 games. The Herons will close the regular season at home against Charlotte FC, a match that will carry seeding implications ahead of the MLS playoffs.