Inter Miami are heading into the final week of the MLS regular season with real momentum after Lionel Messi delivered a match-winning performance to seal a 2-1 comeback victory over the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. The win was significant on two fronts: it secured the club's place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup and moved them above the Revolution into second place in the Eastern Conference, where they now sit on 59 points from 33 matches.

Messi was the decisive figure, providing an assist for German Berterame's equaliser before scoring the winner with a trademark left-footed strike. Manager Kily Gonzalez was unequivocal in his praise afterwards, saying of his captain: "I have no doubt that he's the best of all."

The result provided a timely boost after a difficult patch. Miami lost 2-0 to the New York Red Bulls the week prior, a game in which Messi started on the bench following his trip to Spain to collect the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. A 2-2 draw at home to FC Cincinnati followed, a match that showed both resilience and defensive vulnerability.

With Nashville SC already confirmed as Supporters' Shield winners and 15 points clear at the top, Miami's focus is firmly on securing the best possible playoff seeding. They close out the regular season at home against Charlotte FC on November 7, a fixture they will approach with confidence restored.