Lionel Messi scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute against New England, sealing the victory with an impressive dribble. The goal was his 26th in MLS and extended his lead at the top of the league’s scoring chart.
Messi is now four goals ahead of Petar Musa of FC Dallas, who remained scoreless over the weekend and has 22 goals. The Miami forward also contributed to Germán Berterame’s equalizer during the match.
Miami head coach Cristian González praised Messi after the game, saying he had no doubt that the Argentine was the best of all. González added that, given Messi’s age and performances, he deserved both the MVP award and the Ballon d’Or. Harry Kane won this year’s world player of the year award, while Messi finished fifth in the voting.
Robert Lewandowski also returned to the scoresheet after eight consecutive matches without a goal. The Chicago Fire striker scored in the 74th minute to give his side a 3-2 lead in a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids.
The 38-year-old Polish forward has scored seven times this season. Chicago sits fourth in the Eastern Conference, behind Miami and New England, while Nashville SC leads the conference.
Sources: FAZ.