Inter Miami Edges Past New England with Messi’s Double

FOXBOROUGH: Lionel Messi’s pair of goals proved decisive as Inter Miami overcame New England with a 2-1 victory in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match held at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday.

The win marks Inter Miami’s second straight triumph, elevating them to fifth position in the Eastern Conference standings. Conversely, New England suffered their second consecutive defeat and remains without a win in their last five outings.

Messi maintained his dynamic form from last Saturday’s 4-1 victory against Montreal, where he scored two goals and provided an assist. Since the team’s return to MLS action following their FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 appearance on June 29, he has tallied four goals and one assist.

Remarkably, Messi has become the first player in league history to record multiple goals in four successive MLS games. His season total now stands at 14 goals, with 20 goals scored across all competitions.

Messi’s second goal came in the 38th minute, facilitated by an excellent assist from Sergio Busquets. The midfielder skillfully advanced the ball beyond midfield before delivering a precise pass to Messi, who then evaded Revolution goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic.

New England reduced Miami’s advantage in the 79th minute when Carles Gil gained control of the ball and launched a shot past Miami’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari.

Ustari and Miami’s defensive unit managed to hold firm during the final minutes of regulation time and stoppage time, securing the three crucial points.

Although New England outshot Miami 6-3 in shots on goal and 16-13 overall, Miami capitalized on their opportunities.

New England remains in 11th place in the East and will travel to face Austin on Saturday night. Miami will return home to play Nashville SC on Saturday.