Lionel Messi was on target to break a franchise record but he could not help Inter Miami to a win against Toronto FC.
The Argentina captain levelled the game for the home side in first-half stoppage time, shortly after Federico Bernardeschi had put the Canadian visitors ahead at Chase Stadium.
Messi scored with a crisp, left-footed finish – his 44th goal contribution in 29 games for Miami, surpassing former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain despite playing 38 fewer games.
GO LA ZO DE LEO MESSI 💥🐐 pic.twitter.com/GJMqCLqOwe
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 7, 2025
It was one of the few bright moments for a Miami side that looked a little jaded following a hectic start to the season.
The tie means they are second in the MLS Eastern Conference, a point behind the Columbus Crew but they do have a game in hand. Toronto are second from bottom having not won any of their first seven games of the season.
Messi denied
Messi thought he had given Miami the lead earlier only for the goal to be ruled out – one of two disallowed efforts for Javier Mascherano’s team, whose next fixture comes on Wednesday when they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against LAFC in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
With his first-half goal against Toronto FC, @InterMiamiCF's Lionel Messi (44 goal contributions in 29 games) surpassed Gonzalo Higuaín for the most goal contributions in club history, accomplishing the feat in 38 fewer matches. pic.twitter.com/l2qUUMbWGY
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) April 7, 2025
Mascherano said: “It was a difficult game that we fought. Toronto maybe is not in a good position in the table, but they have good quality up front and today they played very well.”
Looking ahead to Wednesday, he added: “We need to think about Wednesday, we have a final here. We need the support of the people, of the fans, of the supporters. I believe in my team, of course, and I think that we will show up.”
