Messi scores but Inter Miami’s winless run continues with 2-1 defeat to Toronto FC

Lionel Messi was back among the goals, but Inter Miami’s struggles continued as Toronto FC handed them a 2-1 defeat in Major League Soccer, extending their winless run in the competition to four matches. After a goalless opening half, Toronto changed the complexion of the contest with two goals in quick succession. Josh Sargent opened the scoring in the 59th minute before Derrick Etienne Jr struck just three minutes later to leave Miami facing a two-goal deficit.

Messi gave the hosts hope in the closing stages, scoring in the 82nd minute after being supplied by Rodrigo De Paul. Miami pushed for an equaliser in the remaining minutes but Toronto held firm to secure all three points.

Toronto take control

The first half offered few clear openings as Miami struggled to turn possession into meaningful chances and Toronto remained organised without the ball.

The visitors found their breakthrough shortly before the hour mark. Sargent finished a move involving Dániel Sallói and Etienne to put Toronto ahead and immediately place pressure on the hosts.

Miami barely had time to reorganise before they conceded again. Etienne, having played a role in the opener, found the net himself in the 62nd minute to double Toronto’s advantage.

The two goals in three minutes exposed Miami’s defensive vulnerability and forced them to chase the match against a Toronto side increasingly comfortable protecting its lead.

Messi sparks late fightback

Miami finally found a route back into the contest through their captain. De Paul unlocked the Toronto defence with a pass for Messi, who converted in the 82nd minute to make it 2-1. It was Messi’s 14th league goal of the season and briefly raised hopes of another late rescue act from the Argentine. Miami increased the pressure after the goal and committed more players forward, but Toronto avoided conceding again. Their defence survived the closing stages to preserve the narrow advantage.

Winless streak grows

The result leaves Miami without a victory in their last four MLS matches and adds to a disappointing sequence across competitions.

Their previous league fixture had ended in a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union, with Messi contributing a goal and an assist. That result had stopped a run of defeats but did little to address concerns over Miami’s defensive consistency.

The Toronto loss again highlighted the problem. Miami were competitive for long periods but a brief defensive collapse proved enough to decide the contest.

Messi continues to provide goals and creativity in attack, but his individual contributions have not translated into victories during the team's latest run.

Toronto make chances count

Toronto, meanwhile, produced an efficient away performance. They remained patient during the first half before capitalising ruthlessly when opportunities emerged after the break.

Sargent and Etienne were central to the victory, with the latter involved in both goals during the decisive three-minute spell.

For Miami, the immediate task will be to arrest a slide that is beginning to threaten their momentum at a crucial stage of the season. Their attacking quality remains evident, particularly with Messi in scoring form, but repeated defensive lapses are making matches increasingly difficult to control.

The Argentine’s late strike ensured another entry on his impressive MLS scoring record, but on this occasion it amounted to little more than consolation as Toronto walked away with the points.