TORONTO — Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance on Saturday night, scoring once and providing two assists to guide Inter Miami to a 4-2 victory over Toronto FC. The win marks a crucial return to form for the South Florida side following their heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Orlando City in the Florida Derby last week.
With Argentina’s World Cup title defense just a month away, the 38-year-old captain looks to be hitting peak form at the perfect time. Beyond the individual brilliance, the victory moves Inter Miami within a single point of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville, intensifying the race for the top spot.
The Breakthrough
The deadlock was broken just before the interval when Rodrigo De Paul put the visitors ahead. After his initial free-kick was deflected by the Toronto wall, the Argentine midfielder unleashed a stunning volley from outside the box to find the back of the net.
Miami doubled their lead in the 56th minute through a familiar connection. Messi threaded a pinpoint pass to former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez, who calmly slotted the ball home to make it 2-0.
History in the Making
In the 73rd minute, Messi turned provider once again, setting up substitute Sergio Reguilón for his first-ever MLS goal. Just two minutes later, Messi capped off his night by getting on the scoresheet himself, converting a low cross from De Paul to beat Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran.
With these contributions, Messi shattered an MLS record, becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 100 goal contributions. The Argentine maestro achieved the feat in just 64 matches, obliterating the previous record held by Toronto legend Sebastian Giovinco, who reached the milestone in 95 games. Since joining Inter Miami in late 2023, Messi has tallied a staggering 59 goals and 41 assists.
Late Drama
Toronto FC attempted a late comeback through substitute Emilio Aristizábal. The Colombian forward struck twice in the 82nd and 90th minutes to narrow the deficit. However, Inter Miami weathered 11 minutes of stoppage time to secure their sixth win of the season and solidify their championship credentials.
