Inter Miami needed Lionel Messi to produce something special after falling behind against the New England Revolution.

The Argentine superstar delivered twice.

Messi provided the assist for Germán Berterame's equalizer before scoring a brilliant winner himself as Inter Miami came from behind to beat New England 2–1 in Major League Soccer.

The victory moved Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference with 59 points from 33 matches, one point ahead of New England.

Messi's Unusual Header Assist

The opening 45 minutes at Gillette Stadium ended goalless, but New England broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half.

Dániel Gazdag finished a move involving Ilay Feingold and Peyton Miller to put the hosts 1–0 ahead in the 53rd minute.

Miami responded with pressure and finally found the equalizer in the 69th minute.

Telasco Segovia lifted the ball into the box toward Messi. With his back to goal, Messi improvised brilliantly, using the back of his head to redirect the ball toward Berterame.

The Mexican forward reacted quickly and headed the ball into the net.

It was 1–1, with Messi credited with the assist—his 16th of the MLS season.

Then Came Messi's Magic

Fourteen minutes later, Messi produced the moment that decided the match.

In the 83rd minute, he received the ball just outside the penalty area and drove toward goal, weaving past three New England defenders with a series of quick touches.

Once he created enough space, Messi fired a low left-footed shot toward the far corner.

Matt Turner had no chance.

The ball hit the net and Inter Miami had completed the comeback.

The goal was Messi's 26th in the 2026 MLS season, keeping him at the top of the Golden Boot race.

New England thought they had found a late equalizer when Ian Fray headed a cross into his own goal, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Miami held on for a 2–1 victory.

Miami Move Into Second

The result lifted Inter Miami above New England and into second place in the Eastern Conference.

Both teams have one regular-season game remaining. Miami will host Charlotte FC in its final match.

A victory there would guarantee Miami home-field advantage through the Conference Finals. The win over New England also secured Miami's place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

For Messi, it was another decisive performance: one assist, one goal and three points for Inter Miami when his team needed him most.