Messi leads Inter Miami to secure its spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup
Agencies2 min read
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Argentine star Lionel Messi scored a late goal after providing an assist, leading his team Inter Miami to a decisive 2-1 victory over hosts New England Revolution, their direct rival in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer, to secure a spot in next season's CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The goal by Messi, the 8-time winner of the Ballon d'Or for the world's best player, came after he dribbled past three defenders in the 83rd minute, and was enough to secure the three points, while an own goal scored by his Jamaican teammate Ian Fray four minutes later was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
The 39-year-old Argentine star had provided a headed assist to Mexican striker Germán Berterame, who equalized (69), in response to the opening goal from Hungarian Dániel Gazdag at the start of the second half (53).
Inter Miami climbed back to second place, extending their lead to one point over New England with one stage remaining in the season, which means that a win against fifth-placed Charlotte FC on Saturday will guarantee them home-field advantage until the Eastern Conference finals.
This victory also guaranteed Miami its spot in next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Berterame said, "It was a very important occasion... They are a very strong team, indeed tough to beat, so I think it was a monumental effort."
The qualifying spots for the Eastern Conference playoffs have been determined, with eighth-placed Columbus Crew and ninth-placed Orlando City qualifying after the loss of tenth-placed New York Red Bulls to league leaders Nashville, 2-3.
Nashville equaled the record for the highest number of points in Major League Soccer history with 74 points, with one match remaining.
Nashville celebrated their Supporters' Shield win on Sunday at their home stadium, Geodis Park, where they remained unbeaten throughout the season, becoming the first team in league history to achieve 15 home wins.
Top-seeded teams retain home-field advantage throughout the playoffs until the final match, scheduled for December 18.
