Inter Miami and Toronto FC Share Spoils in 1-1 Draw Despite Messi’s Efforts

Eppe Franklyne –

• Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw with Toronto FC resulted in them losing first place in the Eastern Conference standings.

• Lionel Messi and Federico Bernardeschi each scored, but neither side could secure a win.

• Inter Miami had two goals disallowed, one for offside and the other due to a foul on Messi.

• Toronto’s Bernardeschi broke the deadlock early in the second half, while Messi responded with a stunning goal before halftime.

• Despite strong performances from stars like Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities.

Inter Miami’s hopes of staying atop the Eastern Conference were dashed on Sunday night after a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC at home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite starting Lionel Messi, along with fellow stars Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami could not secure a victory in a match many expected them to win. As a result, the team slipped to second place in the standings, now with 14 points (4-0-2 record), while Toronto remained at the bottom with just 3 points (0-4-3 record).

The game proved frustrating for Miami, especially given the disallowed goals. Messi’s brilliant shot that seemed to give Miami a 1-0 lead just before halftime was ruled out after a foul was called on him. Additionally, a 29th-minute goal from Telasco Segovia, assisted by Messi and Suarez, was disallowed due to an offside call on Suarez.

The match saw Toronto take the lead in the 47th minute when Federico Bernardeschi finished off a cross from Lorenzo Insigne, despite heavy pressure from two Miami defenders. Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, making his first start of the season, was unable to stop the shot.

However, Messi quickly responded in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, controlling a pass from Segovia and scoring with a precise left-footed shot from distance past Toronto’s goalkeeper, Sean Johnson. This goal marked Messi’s third in MLS and his sixth across all competitions.

Toronto also had their chances, with Theo Corbeanu hitting the post twice in the first half, but ultimately, neither side was able to break the deadlock for a decisive victory. Despite the star power on display, Inter Miami was left disappointed with the outcome, having seen their opportunities slip away.