Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami, but the team was held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Toronto FC in Major League Soccer on Sunday. Despite being winless this season, Toronto earned a well-deserved point, creating enough chances to potentially win.
Toronto, currently 14th in the Eastern Conference, caused problems for Miami’s shaky defense, hitting the woodwork twice early on. Theo Corbeanu struck the post with a left-foot shot in the 17th minute and again two minutes later after a goalmouth scramble.
Miami thought they had broken the deadlock in the 39th minute when Messi fired a trademark low shot into the corner from the edge of the box. However, a VAR review ruled that Messi had fouled French defender Nicksoen Gomis in the build-up, disallowing the goal.
Seven minutes later, Toronto took the lead when Federico Bernardeschi weaved through Miami’s defense and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Drake Callender. But Messi quickly responded, finding space on the edge of the box, and his precise low shot beat Toronto’s goalkeeper Sean Johnson to level the score.
Toronto came out strong in the second half, with Bernardeschi firing wide from a promising position. Miami lacked structure but remained dangerous on the counter. They nearly regained the lead when Fafa Picault crossed to Luis Suarez, but the Uruguayan striker lost his balance and missed from close range.
Messi, who played the full 90 minutes, was often crowded out by Toronto’s defense but tested Johnson with a low shot in the 77th minute. Bernardeschi threatened late, but Miami’s Tomas Aviles made a crucial block to deny him.
Miami now turns their attention to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-final second leg against Los Angeles FC on Wednesday, trailing 1-0 from the first leg. Coach Javier Mascherano expressed frustration with his team’s performance but remains focused on the upcoming challenge.
“In the first half, for 10-15 minutes, we lost our connection and they scored. After that, we tried to improve in the second half with substitutions,” Mascherano said. “It was a tough game; people thought Toronto would be easy due to their position, but they have quality upfront and played very well. We need to focus on Wednesday.”
In other MLS action, former Inter Miami striker Josef Martinez scored a hat-trick as the San Jose Earthquakes crushed DC United 6-1. Meanwhile, New York City FC suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Minnesota United, who moved up to third place in the Western Conference with the win.