Foxborough (United States) (AFP) - Argentine star Lionel Messi scored a late goal after an assist, and led his Inter Miami team to a decisive victory over its host New England Revolution 2-1, its direct competitor in the Eastern Conference in the American Football League, to secure its place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup competition next season.

Published on: 02/11/2026 - 08:43

The goal of Messi, who won the Golden Ball for the best player in the world eight times, came after he dribbled past three defenders in the 83rd minute, and it was enough to score the three points, while an own goal scored by his Jamaican teammate Ian Fry four minutes later was canceled due to offside after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The 39-year-old Argentine star played a decisive pass with his head to Mexican striker Germán Berterami, who equalized (69), in response to the opening goal from Hungarian Daniel Gazdag at the beginning of the second half (53).

Inter Miami rose again to second place, expanding the difference to one point over New England one stage before the end of the season, which means that a victory over Charlotte FC V on Saturday will guarantee it ground advantage until the Eastern Conference finals.

This victory also guaranteed Miami its place in next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup.

“It was a very important occasion,” Berterami said. “They are a very strong team, even tough, so I think it was a tremendous effort.”

The qualifying positions for the playoffs in the Eastern Region were determined, with Columbus Crew, eighth, and Orlando City, ninth, qualifying after the New York Red Bulls, in tenth place, lost to Nashville, the leaders, with a score of 2-3.

Nashville tied the record for the most points in NFL history with 74 points, with one game remaining.

Nashville celebrated its victory in the Fans' Shield on Sunday at its home stadium, Giudice Park Stadium, where it had not lost all season, becoming the first team in the history of the league to achieve 15 wins at home.

The highest-ranked teams retain the advantage of playing at home throughout the qualifying rounds until the final match scheduled to be held on December 18.

© 2026 AFP

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