Lionel Messi scores for Inter Miami in 1-1 MLS tie with Toronto

Florida: Lionel Messi, the maestro of magic, etched his brilliance once more into Inter Miami’s story, finding the net for the third time in four MLS appearances this season. His dazzling left-footed volley—struck from the top of the 18-yard box in the dying embers of first-half stoppage time—was nothing short of sublime, salvaging a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC beneath the starlit Florida sky.
With that strike, Messi reached a milestone—his 40th goal across all competitions since donning the Inter Miami crest, further extending a franchise record that only he could script. The goal came with the drama befitting his legend, equalizing the match a mere three minutes after Toronto’s Federico Bernardeschi had temporarily thrust his side into the lead.
Earlier in the half, the Argentine wizard saw another goal disallowed—his artistry briefly dimmed by a referee's whistle, calling back the moment due to a foul in the build-up. Still, Messi’s magic could not be denied for long.
For Toronto, who have struggled to find their footing this season, the brief lead was only their second of the campaign—a fleeting 180-second dream swiftly shattered by Messi’s ruthless elegance.
With his latest contribution, Messi has now registered at least one point in each of his four MLS appearances this season. Inter Miami, buoyed by his presence, boasts an overall record of 8-1-2, factoring in four triumphs in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Their lone defeat? A narrow 1-0 loss to LAFC in the first leg of that continental clash—a battle set to resume Wednesday night in Fort Lauderdale.
Toronto’s next chapter unfolds at home on Saturday, as they welcome Minnesota, still in pursuit of that elusive first win. Inter Miami, meanwhile, will return to MLS action next Sunday, carrying Messi’s momentum into a fiery encounter with the Chicago Fire.