Inter Miami CF returned to winning form in MLS, led by Lionel Messi. The Argentine recorded a goal and two assists in a commanding 4-2 victory over Toronto FC, allowing the Florida side to shake off recent struggles.
Managed by Guillermo Hoyos, the team needed patience to break down the Canadian defense but eventually showcased their quality in a much more effective second half. Goals also came from Uruguay’s Luis Suarez, Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul, and Spain’s Sergio Reguilon.
De Paul opened the scoring just before halftime, capitalizing on a rebound from a direct free kick with a powerful cross-shot that left the goalkeeper helpless. Controversy arose in the 56th minute when Messi set up Suarez for a 2-0 lead while Toronto’s Raheem Edwards lay on the pitch due to a physical issue. Inter Miami played on, and Suarez finished clinically inside the box.
As the game opened up, Messi struck again, first assisting Reguilon for a cross-shot finish from inside the area, then sealing the rout by converting a low pass from De Paul. With that goal, the World Cup champion reached 100 MLS goal contributions (goals and assists), underscoring his immense impact on American soccer.
In the closing minutes, Inter Miami eased off, allowing Toronto to narrow the gap with a double from Colombian Emilio Aristizabal. This win moves Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Nashville SC, though having played two more matches.
