Inter Miami CF beat the New England Revolution 2-1 on Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with Lionel Messi once again providing the decisive moment. His late goal secured his team’s place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The win also lifted Miami above the Revs into second place in the Eastern Conference, with one game remaining in the MLS regular season.
Revolution strike first after the break
The Revolution edged the first half, registering six total shots and five corner kicks, and generating an expected goals figure of 0.75. The match nonetheless went into the break level at 0-0.
Dániel Gazdag broke the deadlock in the early minutes of the second half, connecting with Ilay Feingold inside the box before finding the back of the net.
Miami responded in the 69th minute. Germán Berterame scored after a deft backward header from Messi set him up. Manager Cristian González then strengthened his attack by bringing on Luis Suárez, who had started Miami’s previous 25 games.
Messi delivers again
Messi put Miami ahead, dribbling past defenders outside the box and smashing a trademark low, left-footed shot past Revs goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The Revolution nearly hauled themselves back level, but Ian Fray’s own goal was ruled offside, preserving Miami’s lead.
Had Miami lost or drawn, they would have needed to win on Decision Day, on November 7, to reach North America’s top club competition. Messi’s goal ensured they did not need to.
González praises his captain
“It makes me very happy for the players and for the club, we are on the side of contributing things,” 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.”
González also reflected on the tactical challenge. “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.”
He was quick to temper expectations for the post-season. “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.”
On Messi, González was effusive. “I have no doubt that he’s the best of all. 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.”
Champions Cup places confirmed
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 have 59 points from 33 games. They finish the regular season at home to Charlotte FC, a match that will have seeding implications ahead of the MLS playoffs.