Lionel Messi scored a stunning late winner as Inter Miami came from behind to defeat New England Revolution 2-1 on Sunday, climbing to second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings and securing qualification for next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The 39-year-old Argentina superstar produced another moment of brilliance in the 83rd minute, weaving past three defenders before firing a precise left-footed effort into the bottom corner.
Messi also played a crucial role in Miami's equaliser, providing an unconventional assist for German Berterame after Daniel Gazdag had given New England the lead early in the second half.
The victory moved Inter Miami one point ahead of New England with one regular-season match remaining. A win against Charlotte on Saturday would guarantee Miami home advantage through the Eastern Conference Finals, should they progress that far.
"It was such an important occasion... they're a very tough team, really difficult, so I think it was a tremendous effort," Berterame said after the match.
Following a goalless opening half, New England broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Gazdag.
Peyton Miller advanced down the right flank before delivering a cut-back into the penalty area. Ilay Feingold cleverly backheeled the ball into Gazdag's path, allowing the midfielder to finish emphatically.
Miami nearly responded shortly after the hour mark when Messi forced a save from goalkeeper Matt Turner. Berterame reacted quickest to the rebound, but Brooklyn Raines produced a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve New England's advantage.
The visitors eventually equalised in the 69th minute through an unusual piece of improvisation from Messi.
Telasco Segovia lifted a pass into the penalty area towards the Argentine, who redirected the ball off the back of his head into Berterame's path. The striker made no mistake, bringing Miami level at 1-1.
Messi then delivered the decisive moment with seven minutes of normal time remaining.
Collecting possession just outside the penalty arc, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner turned sharply, evaded three challenges and curled a low left-footed shot beyond United States international Turner into the far corner.
New England appeared to have rescued a dramatic point in the closing stages when Miami defender Ian Fray headed Luca Langoni's cross into his own net in the 87th minute.
However, the celebrations were cut short after a VAR review determined that Langoni had been marginally offside in the build-up.
The decision preserved Miami's 2-1 advantage and secured three valuable points in the race for Eastern Conference playoff positioning.
The result also confirmed Inter Miami's qualification for the next edition of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Columbus Crew and Orlando City secured their playoff berths following New York Red Bulls' dramatic 3-2 defeat against league leaders Nashville.
The Red Bulls, who entered the match in 10th place, surrendered a two-goal advantage as Nashville completed an impressive comeback.
Sam Sturridge scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, sealing a remarkable victory and helping Nashville reach 74 points with one regular-season fixture remaining.
That total matches the record for the most points accumulated in an MLS regular season.
Nashville also celebrated lifting the Supporters' Shield at Geodis Park on Sunday, recognising their outstanding regular-season campaign.
The club have remained unbeaten at their home stadium throughout the year and became the first team in MLS history to record 15 home victories in a single regular season.
With the playoffs approaching, teams finishing higher in the standings will retain home-field advantage through the postseason until the MLS Cup final, scheduled for 18 December.
For Inter Miami, the immediate focus turns to Saturday's meeting with Charlotte, where another victory would strengthen their position heading into the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Messi's latest match-winning performance has once again underlined his importance to Miami's pursuit of MLS silverware.
