Messi Inspires Inter Miami to 2-1 Win Over New England and 2027 Champions League Berth
Lionel Messi scored and assisted to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over New England, securing a 2027 CONCACAF Champions League berth. Israeli defender Ilay Feingold starred with an assist and swapped shirts with Messi after the match.
Inter Miami secured a crucial 2-1 away victory over the New England Revolution, driven by a stellar performance from Lionel Messi, who scored and provided an assist. The win guarantees Miami a spot in the 2027 CONCACAF Champions League and lifts them to second place in the Eastern Conference with just one regular-season match remaining.
Despite New England dominating the first half, the deadlock remained unbroken at halftime. The hosts broke through early in the second half when Daniel Gazdag found the net following a brilliant backheel assist from Israeli defender Ilay Feingold.
Miami's response came in the 69th minute as Messi flicked a header back to Germán Berterame, who leveled the score. Shortly after, Messi completed the comeback with a dazzling solo run, weaving past defenders before slotting a precise low left-footed shot past Matt Turner. New England thought they had salvaged a point through an Ian Fray own goal, but it was disallowed for offside.
The final whistle marked an unforgettable moment for Feingold, who swapped shirts with Messi. The interaction sparked immense social media reactions across the US, with fans and commentators buzzing over the unforgettable souvenir for the young Israeli full-back.
Feingold is not the first Israeli in MLS to secure this prized memorabilia, following Liel Abada's shirt swap with Messi in September 2024. Meanwhile, Messi recently made headlines off the pitch by purchasing a luxury 28-meter Sunreef Ultima 88 yacht valued at approximately $10.4 million.
