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Messi Scores, Inter Miami Settles for 1-1 Draw With Toronto
Lionel Messi made sure Inter Miami didn’t walk away empty-handed Sunday night. In a hard-fought match at Chase Stadium, Messi scored just before halftime to help Miami earn a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC in Major League Soccer action.
Although it was only a regular-season game against a struggling Toronto team, Messi played like it meant much more. His passion was on full display when he smashed in the equalizer and celebrated with fiery emotion—pumping his fists and pointing to the sky in front of a roaring home crowd.
Messi’s Equalizer Sparks Inter Miami Comeback
Just minutes after Toronto took the lead, Messi responded with a goal in first-half stoppage time (45’+4’). He received the ball in the center of the box, used his trademark left foot, and slotted it into the bottom right corner. It was Messi’s sixth goal of the 2025 season and his 40th for Inter Miami since joining the club.
Bernardeschi Strikes First for Toronto
Toronto FC shocked the home crowd when Federico Bernardeschi opened the scoring in the 45th minute. Weaving past three defenders, he sent a low shot past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, who was making his first start of the year. It was a moment of brilliance from Toronto’s standout player.
VAR Cancels Two Inter Miami Goals
Before the official scoring began, Inter Miami had two goals overturned. The first came in the 29th minute when Luis Suárez was flagged offside before assisting Telasco Segovia, who had finished the play cleanly.
Then in the 37th minute, Messi appeared to score, but replay showed he tripped a Toronto defender before taking the shot. Both goals were wiped out after video review.
Missed Chances and Late Drama
Toronto nearly extended their lead in the first half, hitting the post twice in the 17th and 19th minutes. Messi also missed an early shot that sailed over the net in the 20th minute.
Late in the second half, Messi almost set up a game-winner. He delivered a sharp pass across the box in the final minute, but Fafa Picault couldn’t finish the opportunity. The match ended 1-1, with both teams sharing the points.
What This Means for Inter Miami
Inter Miami remains unbeaten in MLS regular season play but will be slightly disappointed not to get the win. After losing midweek to LAFC in the Concacaf Champions Cup, this draw serves as a warm-up for Wednesday’s crucial second-leg rematch. Miami trails 1-0 on aggregate and needs a strong performance to advance.
Messi’s Impact and What’s Next
Messi played the entire match once again, showing no signs of slowing down despite the packed schedule. He’s expected to start again on Wednesday night when Inter Miami hosts LAFC in a make-or-break Champions Cup quarterfinal.
After that, Miami travels to Chicago on April 13, followed by key matches against Columbus (April 19) and FC Dallas (April 26).
