Argentine star Lionel Messi scored a late goal after an assist, leading his team Inter Miami to a decisive 2-1 win over host New England Revolution, a direct rival in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer, securing its place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup next season.
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Messi's goal, from a player who has been crowned the world's best player eight times with the Ballon d'Or, came in the 83rd minute after he beat three defenders, and was enough to secure all three points, while a late goal by teammate Ian Fray, from Jamaica, was disallowed for offside after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The 39-year-old Argentine had earlier headed a pass for Mexican striker Germán Berterame, who equalized in the 69th minute, in response to Hungarian Dániel Gazdag's opening goal at the start of the second half (53').
Inter Miami moved back up to second place, extending its advantage to one point over New England with one round remaining in the season. Beating Charlotte FC, fifth, on Saturday would guarantee it home advantage through the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The win also secured Miami's place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup next year.
Berterame said: "It was a very important occasion... they're a very strong team, and difficult to beat, so I think it was a tremendous effort."
The qualifying positions for the Eastern Conference playoffs were settled, with eighth-placed Columbus Crew and ninth-placed Orlando City both qualifying after New York Red Bulls, tenth, lost 2-3 to leaders Nashville.
Nashville equaled the MLS record for most points in a season, with 74 points, with one match remaining.
Nashville celebrated winning the Supporters' Shield on Sunday at its home ground, Geodis Park, where it went the entire season unbeaten, becoming the first team in league history to record 15 home wins.
Higher-ranked teams retain home advantage throughout the playoffs until the final, scheduled for December 18.
