Despite a moment of brilliance from Lionel Messi, Inter Miami were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC in their Major League Soccer (MLS) clash on Sunday evening. The Argentine superstar delivered a signature goal, but it wasn�t enough to lift a sluggish and disorganized Miami side to victory, as Toronto, still seeking their first win of the season, managed to earn a hard-fought point on the road.
Toronto FC, currently languishing in 14th place in the Eastern Conference standings, displayed far more urgency and cohesion than their record suggests. The Canadian outfit carved out numerous opportunities and came dangerously close to breaking the deadlock on multiple occasions in the early phases of the match. In the 17th minute, winger Theo Corbeanu struck the post with a powerful left-footed effort. Just two minutes later, he rattled the woodwork again, exposing Miami�s defensive frailties.
Messi appeared to have handed Inter Miami the breakthrough they needed in the 39th minute with a trademark low strike from the edge of the penalty area, slotting the ball clinically into the bottom corner. However, celebrations were cut short when a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review adjudged the forward to have fouled French defender Nicksoen Gomis in the buildup. The goal was disallowed, much to the dismay of Miami fans.
Toronto capitalized on their momentum immediately after halftime, punishing Miami for their defensive lapses. In the 46th minute, Italian forward Federico Bernardeschi produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving through defenders inside the box before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Drake Callender to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Inter Miami, however, responded swiftly. In the 53rd minute, Messi found a pocket of space just outside the penalty area and, with characteristic composure, drilled a low shot into the bottom corner. The finish was vintage Messi�accurate, quick, and unstoppable�leaving Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson rooted to the spot.
Despite the equalizer, Miami struggled to find rhythm and fluency in their overall play. Toronto continued to press, with Bernardeschi narrowly missing a second goal when he fired wide from a promising angle. Miami looked vulnerable in transition and disorganized in possession, although they remained a threat on the counterattack.
One of Miami�s best opportunities to take the lead came through a rapid break in the 65th minute. Fafa Picault delivered a teasing cross from the right flank, locating Luis Su�rez at the far post. However, the veteran Uruguayan striker, under pressure, failed to keep his footing, and his misfired shot drifted wide.
Messi remained a focal point throughout the encounter, orchestrating Miami�s forward movements and registering another attempt in the 77th minute with a well-placed low drive that tested Johnson�s reflexes. Nevertheless, he often found himself surrounded by a compact Toronto defense that worked diligently to contain him.
Inter Miami now shift their focus to a pivotal fixture midweek. They will face Los Angeles FC in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. Head coach Javier Mascherano expressed disappointment with Sunday�s underwhelming performance but stressed that the squad is mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.
Elsewhere in Major League Soccer action:
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Josef Mart�nez stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dismantled DC United in a dominant 6-1 victory.
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Meanwhile, New York City FC suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Minnesota United, a result that propelled the visitors to third place in the Western Conference standings.
As the MLS season progresses, both Inter Miami and Toronto FC will be looking to refine their performances and climb the ranks, but for now, Sunday�s draw leaves both teams with lingering questions about consistency and execution.
