Messi scores but Inter Miami lose 2-1 to Toronto

Lionel Messi found the net, but his goal was not enough as Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Toronto FC on Saturday. This loss marks their fifth consecutive match without a victory.

Toronto took a commanding 2-0 lead with goals from Josh Sargent in the 59th minute and Derrick Etienne Jr. in the 62nd. Inter Miami's star forward, Lionel Messi, managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute, capitalizing on a brilliant through ball from his compatriot Rodrigo De Paul. However, Miami's final push failed to yield an equalizer.

With 14 goals, Messi is currently second in the Major League Soccer scoring chart, trailing Dallas's Petar Musa. Despite Messi's individual success, Inter Miami's recent form is concerning, with four losses and one draw in their last five games across all competitions, including their elimination from the Leagues Cup group stage.

The team still holds second place in the MLS Eastern Conference, trailing leaders Nashville by seven points, though Nashville has a game in hand. However, Robert Lewandowski's Chicago Fire are now only three points behind Miami after a 1-1 draw. Orlando City also moved into the MLS Cup playoff positions with a 2-1 victory, featuring two goals from new signing Antoine Griezmann.

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With 14 goals Messi is second on the Major League Soccer scoring chart behind Dallas’s Petar Musa, who went into Saturday with 16.