Foxborough, MA — Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Wednesday night, marking the team’s second consecutive win in Major League Soccer.
With the win, Inter Miami (10-3-5, 35 points) jumped to 5th place in the Eastern Conference, while New England (6-8-6, 24 points) suffered its second straight loss and extended its winless streak to five matches.
Messi’s Unstoppable Form Continues
Messi, fresh off a two-goal, one-assist performance in Miami’s 4-1 win over Montreal last weekend, has been in sensational form since returning to MLS play following a run to the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. He has now scored four goals and provided one assist in his last two games, taking his season total to 14 goals in MLS and 20 goals across all competitions.
His first goal came in the 27th minute after a failed clearance from the Revolution defense. Messi was quick to pounce on a loose header inside the box, intercepting it and firing a shot past Revolution goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic to give Miami the early 1-0 lead.
Sergio Busquets’ Brilliant Assist
The second goal, which proved to be the game-winner, came in the 38th minute. Sergio Busquets played a perfect ball from just past midfield, threading it between two New England defenders and into Messi’s path. Messi calmly ran onto the ball and slotted a precise shot just inside the far post, past Ivacic’s outstretched arm.
New England’s Late Push Falls Short
In the 79th minute, Carles Gil brought the Revolution back into the game, controlling a ball at the top of the box and firing a powerful shot past Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to cut the lead to 2-1. However, Ustari and Miami’s defense held firm, withstanding a late surge from New England that included five minutes of stoppage time, securing the three points for the visitors.
Revolution Edge Miami in Shot Stats
Despite outshooting Miami 16-13 overall and 6-3 in shots on goal, New England couldn’t capitalize on their chances, while Miami made theirs count at critical moments. Messi’s two goals were the difference in a game that saw the Revolution apply pressure but ultimately fall short.
Next Up:
New England (11th place in the East) will travel to face Austin FC on Saturday night.
Inter Miami will return home to face Nashville SC on Saturday night.
Messi remains second on the MLS scoring leaderboard with 14 goals, trailing only Sam Surridge of Nashville (16 goals).
