Inter Miami and Lionel Messi head to Gillette Stadium on Sunday to face the New England Revolution in a crucial Major League Soccer matchup. The fixture kicks off at 7pm ET on Sunday, November 1, with live broadcasting available worldwide on MLS Season Pass through Apple TV.
Match Preview and Stakes
Lionel C. Messi enters the match looking to recover from a quiet performance in midweek, where he failed to record a goal or an assist as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with FC Cincinnati. Luis Suarez and Riquelme Fillipi scored the goals that secured a point for Miami, leaving them in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. New England currently holds a two-point advantage over Miami in second place following a 3-2 victory against the New York Red Bulls.
With only two regular-season games left, a win for the Revs would lock up second place in the East and secure a spot in the upcoming Champions Cup. Marko Mitrović’s side has won 18 of their 32 games this season, powered by standout contributions from Carles Gil with 13 goals and 13 assists, Dor Turgeman with 12 goals, and Peyton Miller with seven.
Miami’s recent form has fluctuated, featuring consecutive victories against DC United, New York City FC, and Atlanta United, followed by a 2-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls and the draw against Cincinnati. Despite failing to score or assist in his last two outings, Messi remains the league leader with 25 goals and 14 assists as he pursues a third consecutive MLS MVP award. The reigning MLS Cup champions average a league-high 2.35 goals per match but have struggled defensively, conceding 1.71 goals per game.
Team News and Expected Line-Ups
For the New England Revolution, Peyton Miller and Matt Polster are expected to return to the starting line-up after beginning on the bench against the Red Bulls, though Alhassan Yusuf and Jack Harrison remain sidelined with hamstring and quad injuries respectively. Inter Miami continues to manage several injuries, with Mateo Silvetti dealing with a shoulder issue, Tadeo Allende nursing a knee injury, and Israel Boatwright out with a torn cruciate ligament.
The expected starting line-up for the New England Revolution features Turner, Feingold, Kohler, Wynder, Miller, Gil, Polster, Yueill, Langoni, Turgeman, and Gazdag. Inter Miami’s expected line-up consists of St Clair, Lujan, Casemiro, Micael, Fray, De Paul, Ayala, Morales, Messi, Suarez, and Berterame.
Recent Form and Match Stats
New England has already guaranteed its first playoff appearance since 2023 and is aiming for five consecutive domestic wins for the first time since 2021. Meanwhile, Inter Miami lost their most recent away fixture against the Red Bulls, but they have avoided back-to-back away defeats throughout the entire season and have won on their last two visits to Gillette Stadium.
As 101 Great Goals reports, the outcome hinges heavily on Messi rediscovering his best form to lead Inter Miami to a vital result away from home.
