Inter Miami CF entered their latest MLS fixture at home with the weight of a five‑match winless streak hanging over the side. The Herons faced Toronto FC at a packed venue, hoping to break the drought that had seen them concede an average of 2.4 goals per game.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 59th minute when U.S. international Josh Sargent unleashed a left‑footed strike that curled past the Miami keeper, putting Toronto ahead 1‑0. Three minutes later, Haitian forward Derrick Etienne Jr. added a second, finishing off a quick counter‑attack that left the Miami defense scrambling.
Messi, who had been quiet for much of the first half, found a sliver of hope in the 82nd minute. A line‑splitting pass from Rodrigo De Paul slipped through Toronto’s back line, allowing the Argentine superstar to slot the ball into the net for his 14th goal of the campaign, cutting the deficit to 2‑1.
Despite the goal, the team’s defensive frailties resurfaced. Toronto’s two goals came from set‑piece lapses and a failure to track runners, a pattern that has plagued Miami throughout the current slump. Coach Michael Lewis’s side now sits in second place in the Eastern Conference with 39 points, but the recent form raises questions about their ability to defend a top‑four finish.
Looking Ahead
Miami’s schedule does not afford many easy fixtures, and the coaching staff will likely tweak formations in the coming weeks. If the defense can tighten up and the midfield can supply more consistent service to Messi, the Herons may yet rediscover the winning formula that carried them to the playoffs last season.