Inter Miami CF beat the New England Revolution 2-1 on Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, as Lionel Messi once again delivered the decisive touch, this time securing his team’s place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. The win also moved Miami above the Revs into second place in the Eastern Conference, with one regular-season game remaining.
Revolution edge first half
The Revolution held the edge in the first half, registering six total shots and five corner kicks while generating an expected goals figure of 0.75. The match still went into the break tied 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.
Messi sparks Miami comeback
Miami responded in the 69th minute. Germán Berterame scored, set up by a deft backward header from Messi. Miami manager Cristian González then strengthened his attack after the equaliser by bringing on Luis Suárez, who had started Miami’s last 25 games.
“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,” González said. “We struggled with ball possession, which at times was very passive. My message to the players is I need everyone. In this case, we believed we needed to make some changes.”
González added: “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 doubled Miami’s lead. He dribbled past defenders outside the box and smashed a trademark low, left-footed shot past Revs goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The Revolution nearly struck back for a draw, but Ian Fray’s own goal was ruled offside, sparing Miami after it had looked as though Messi’s heroics had been undone.
Spot in Champions Cup secured
Messi’s goal ultimately clinched Inter Miami a place in the 2027 Champions Cup. Had Miami lost or drawn, they would have needed to do more work on Decision Day on 7 November to qualify for North America’s top club competition.
González praised his captain after the match: “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.”
Inter Miami now joins Nashville SC, the Revs 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 will finish the regular season at home to Charlotte FC, a match that will have seeding implications ahead of the MLS playoffs.