Messi scores but Inter Miami lose 2-1 to Toronto in MLS regular season

Lionel Messi scored but Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Toronto FC on Saturday, extending their winless run to five matches in the MLS regular season. Toronto took control with two goals early in the second half before Messi reduced the deficit late on.

Josh Sargent opened the scoring for Toronto in the 59th minute, and Derrick Etienne Jr. added a second three minutes later. Miami responded in the 82nd minute when Messi finished after receiving a through ball from fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul.

The result leaves Inter Miami second in the MLS Eastern Conference. They are seven games behind leaders Nashville, who have a match in hand, while Chicago Fire moved to within three points of Miami after drawing 1-1 with New York Red Bulls.

Miami’s recent sequence includes four defeats and one draw across MLS and the Leagues Cup. Their Leagues Cup campaign ended in the group stage, and Saturday’s loss continued a difficult spell despite Messi finding the net.

Messi now has 14 MLS goals and sits second in the competition’s scoring standings. Dallas forward Petar Musa leads that list with 16 goals.

The defeat came at Miami’s Nu Stadium in Florida, where the hosts could not recover after Toronto’s quick double. Messi’s late goal gave them a route back into the match, but it did not prevent Toronto from taking all three points.