Inter Miami CF are heading into the final week of the MLS regular season with genuine momentum and a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup already secured. The defining moment came at Gillette Stadium, where a 2-1 comeback victory over the New England Revolution lifted them into second place in the Eastern Conference on 59 points from 33 matches. Lionel Messi was the difference-maker, providing an assist before scoring the winner with a trademark left-footed strike. It was the kind of performance that reminded the league why he remains the central figure in everything Miami do.

The win was particularly welcome after a difficult run. A 2-0 defeat at Red Bull New York, in which Messi started on the bench following his trip to Spain to receive the Princess of Asturias Award, had halted a three-game winning streak. A 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati that followed showed character but also defensive vulnerability, with Miami twice conceding late to let a lead slip before Riquelme Fillipi rescued a point in the 90th minute.

Manager Kily Gonzalez has spoken openly about the need for better ball retention in midfield, accepting personal responsibility for some of the team's struggles in that period. His side have responded well. With one regular-season fixture remaining at home against Charlotte FC, Miami will look to finish strongly and carry confidence into the playoffs.