Messi scores again but Inter Miami lose at home
Messi scored again but Inter Miami fell 1-2 at home to Toronto, remaining winless in four MLS games.
Inter Miami suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Toronto on August 23, 2026, extending the club's winless run to four straight MLS matches and five matches in all competitions, despite Lionel Messi finding the net again.
Late spark from Messi not enough
Toronto arrived in Florida with only one victory in their previous 14 MLS outings but set up their success by keeping the game compact and taking their chances in front of Inter Miami goalkeeper Dejn Sent Kler. The match was cagey in the first half, with neither side creating many clear opportunities.
The breakthrough came after the hour mark: Joshua Sargent opened the scoring in the 59th minute and Derrick Etienne doubled Toronto's advantage three minutes later. Inter Miami pushed to respond and trimmed the deficit in the 82nd minute when Rodrigo De Paul slipped a precise pass to Lionel Messi, who calmly finished to make it 1-2.
Although Messi scored, the goal proved only cosmetic as Toronto held on for the road win. The result leaves Inter Miami still second in the Eastern Conference standings, but their cushion is now down to three points over Chicago Fire, who drew 1-1 at New York Red Bulls.
Elsewhere that evening Orlando City beat Real Salt Lake 2-1, with Antoine Griezmann scoring both goals for the home side; his team sits ninth in the Western Conference.
Photo: press material from the event
