The Argentine star struck the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, lifting his Major League Soccer total to 26 for the campaign.

• Messi leads FC Dallas forward Petar Musa by four goals in the scoring race.
• The Inter Miami attacker has one regular-season match still to play.
• His latest winner helped Miami secure a 2-1 result against New England.

Chance to make MLS history

Messi won his first MLS Golden Boot last year, finishing with 29 goals from 28 appearances.

At 39, the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient is in position to become the first player to capture the award in back-to-back seasons since MLS introduced its current format, based solely on goals scored, in 2005.

With one fixture left on the regular-season schedule, Messi has a strong chance to widen his lead over Musa and add another landmark achievement to his MLS record.