Inter Miami faced a thrilling test against Toronto FC on Sunday night, where Lionel Messi once again proved his mettle in a crucial moment.
With his side on the brink of their first loss of the 2025 MLS season, Messi stepped up to deliver a spectacular equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw and preserving Miami's unbeaten run.
A wild one at Chase Stadium ends in a draw.
That's a wrap on Matchday 7. pic.twitter.com/gNllTeot3G— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 7, 2025
Messi had opened the scoring in the 41st minute, sending fans into a frenzy with a well-taken finish.
However, a VAR check soon dashed those celebrations, as the referee ruled that Messi had committed a foul in the buildup, disallowing the goal.
VAR has just ruled this out but my god does Lionel Messi make football look easy… pic.twitter.com/aFZB5CTTOr
— george (@StokeyyG2) April 6, 2025
As if that wasn’t enough to shake the confidence of the Miami squad, former Juventus player Federico Bernardeschi struck back for Toronto, expertly controlling the ball in the box and finishing it past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender to give the Canadians a 1-0 lead.
Bernardeschi is a magician. ✨
Incredible footwork to find the opener for @TorontoFC! pic.twitter.com/YWjbXimGk1— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 7, 2025
Watch: Lionel Messi goal vs Toronto FC
But Messi wasn’t about to let his team go down without a fight. Just minutes after Toronto’s goal, the Argentine maestro took control at the edge of the 18-yard box before unleashing a precise strike into the bottom corner of the net to level the score at 1-1.
Try and disallow this one…
Lionel Messi does it AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/wzVCyB7oQn— george (@StokeyyG2) April 7, 2025
Messi's goal made him the club's all-time goal contributor (44), surpassing compatriot Gonzalo Higuaín (43).
With his first-half goal against Toronto FC, @InterMiamiCF's Lionel Messi (44 goal contributions in 29 games) surpassed Gonzalo Higuaín for the most goal contributions in club history, accomplishing the feat in 38 fewer matches. pic.twitter.com/l2qUUMbWGY
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) April 7, 2025
His exquisite, record-breaking finish saved Inter Miami from what would have been their first loss of the season, keeping their record intact with four wins and two draws.
The result leaves Messi and his teammates focused and determined as they now turn their attention to a crucial CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal tie against LAFC.
After a 1-0 loss in the first leg, Miami will need to bounce back in the return fixture on Wednesday, April 9, at 8 p.m. EST, as they aim to keep their continental hopes alive.
