Lionel Messi’s trademark goal wasn’t enough to secure a win for Inter Miami, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Toronto FC in Major League Soccer on Sunday. Toronto, still searching for their first win this season, created numerous chances and even hit the woodwork twice in the early stages of the game.
The match saw Toronto’s Italian forward Federico Bernardeschi score the opening goal, twisting and turning inside the box before poking the ball past Miami keeper Drake Callender. Messi equalized three minutes later with a clinical finish, latching onto a precise through ball to make it 1-1.
Despite both teams having chances to win, neither could capitalize, with Miami outshooting Toronto 22-13 (9-4 in shots on target) on the night. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed frustration with his team’s performance but is focused on their upcoming match against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-final second-leg.
Toronto FC coach Robin Fraser praised his team’s commitment and engagement, saying they “made it difficult” for Miami. The result marked Toronto’s first-ever point at Miami, which is 8-2-1 all-time against TFC having won all five previous meetings in Florida.
Key moments from the game include:
- Early Chances: Toronto hit the woodwork twice in the first 20 minutes, with Theo Corbeanu hitting the post with a left-foot shot in the 17th minute and again two minutes later after a goalmouth scramble.
- Messi’s Goal: Messi scored a highlight-reel goal in the 44th minute, pivoting to evade Deybi Flores before firing a shot home.
- Defensive Plays: Toronto’s Nicksoen Gomis made a game-saving play late in the contest, getting the ball away from a Miami attacker with the goal wide open.