Inter Miami lost to Toronto for the MLS and Lionel Messi scored a goal for the statistic

Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat to Toronto FC in their MLS match, with Lionel Messi scoring a goal that proved statistically significant but ultimately unable to change the outcome. The game took place at the Nu Stadium in Miami, marking Toronto's historic first victory in the city. This result extended Inter Miami’s winless streak to five games across all competitions, including the Leagues Cup, while also leaving them three points behind Chicago Fire in the Eastern Conference standings. The match began with Toronto asserting control early, capitalizing on defensive lapses from Inter Miami. In the 12th minute, Toronto took the lead through a goal scored by Josh Sargent, who found the back of the net after receiving a pass from Daniel Salloi. The scoreline was further widened in the 14th minute when Ettienne, a Haitian forward, converted a cross from the flank to make it 2-0. These goals came amid a series of substitutions, with Toronto making several changes throughout the game to strengthen their attacking options. Inter Miami struggled to find rhythm, despite some moments of pressure. In the 31st minute, goalkeeper Gavran denied a potential equalizer from Berterame, who had received the ball deep inside the box but failed to finish effectively. The team also faced challenges in defense, with players such as Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame missing key chances. Both were given opportunities to turn the tide, but neither could capitalize, contributing to the team’s frustration. Lionel Messi made his entrance in the 50th minute, coming off the bench, and quickly became a focal point for Inter Miami. His goal in the 53rd minute came after a well-executed play involving Rodrigo De Paul, who delivered a precise pass that allowed Messi to take advantage of space and fire a left-footed shot into the top corner. While this goal gave Inter Miami hope, it was not enough to alter the course of the match. The goal itself was described as “inocuous” by one source, highlighting its limited impact on the overall result. The game saw several other developments, including disciplinary actions. In the 3rd minute, defender Falcón received a yellow card following a challenge on Sargent. Later, in the 16th minute, Toronto substituted Theo Corbeanu for Josh Sargent, who had already contributed to the team’s early success. Meanwhile, Inter Miami made adjustments of their own, bringing on Noah Allen to replace the injured Sergio Reguilón in the 6th minute. As the second half progressed, Inter Miami showed signs of increased energy, particularly in the 48th minute when they managed to keep the scoreline at 2-0. However, Toronto maintained their dominance, eventually securing the win after extra time was called. The referee, Elfath, added eight minutes to the match, giving both teams a chance to push for a draw. Despite this, Toronto held firm, cementing their historic achievement. The loss marks another setback for Inter Miami under manager Guillermo Hoyos, whose team has been struggling with consistency. With three consecutive losses in the MLS and four in total across all competitions, the club faces mounting pressure to improve. Meanwhile, Toronto’s victory represents a major milestone, as they have now claimed their first-ever win in Miami, ending a long-standing drought against the local side. The result leaves Inter Miami in a precarious position, needing urgent improvements in both attack and defense to avoid further decline.