Inter Miami conceded five goals in a humbling defeat to the Chicago Fire on Tuesday, putting manager Javier Mascherano’s tactics under scrutiny. But the Herons made sure there wouldn’t be a repeat, conceding just one goal as Lionel Messi once again proved the catalyst with three assists in a 4-1 win over the struggling New England Revolution.

Mascherano made three tweaks to his starting XI, sparking the turnaround. After watching center backs Tomás Avilés and Gonzalo Luján struggle, the manager shifted Noah Allen - typically used as a backup left back - into the role alongside Maxi Falcón. He also moved Messi deeper into midfield, deploying him as a wide playmaker. He also swapped in Rocco Ríos Novo for Oscar Ustari, who struggled against the Fire.

While the change pushed Messi further from goal, it made him even more incisive as a creator. After a few goals were ruled offside for the home side, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner finally broke through in the 32nd minute. Messi delivered an incredible no-look through ball to Tadeo Allende, who blasted past USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner with his right foot to put Miami ahead 1-0.

Twelve minutes later, Messi thought he had scored himself, only for the goal to be called back for an offside on Luis Suárez. Seconds later, though, he was at the heart of another, finding Jordi Alba with a slick backheel that doubled Miami’s lead heading into halftime.

New England made things interesting in the 59th minute when new U22 signing Dor Turgeman unleashed an unbelievable rocket after catching Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Busquets ball-watching and beating Falcón on the dribble. But Miami answered almost instantly - once again through Messi. Moments after kickoff, the No. 10 floated a diagonal ball over the top to Allende, who surged forward and beat Turner again to make it 3-1. The goal proved back-breaking for the Revs, who later conceded another through poor defending, as Telasco Segovia sliced through two players before finding Alba, who danced around his marker to secure his second of the night.

With the match firmly in hand, Mascherano provided a touching moment in the 75th minute, substituting Busquets to allow the legendary Spanish midfielder - who announced his upcoming retirement last week - to receive a standing ovation ahead of Saturday evening’s planned celebration.

With the win, Messi now sits on 41 goal contributions this season. And while Philadelphia clinched the Supporters’ Shield on Saturday with their win over NYCFC, Miami still have plenty to play for, with home playoff spots up for grabs in the East. The result lifts them to third in the conference with a game in hand.