Lionel Messi and Federico Bernardeschi were both on the scoresheet, but their goals weren’t enough as Inter Miami and Toronto FC played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday night in Fort Lauderdale. Despite a star-studded lineup featuring Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami (4-0-2) missed the opportunity to stay top of the Eastern Conference, dropping crucial points against a winless Toronto side (0-4-3).
The match was frustrating for Inter Miami fans, especially with the team having two goals ruled out. In the 29th minute, Telasco Segovia found the net following a build-up involving Messi and Suarez, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call on Suarez. Just ten minutes later, Messi produced a brilliant long-range strike that beat Sean Johnson, only for VAR to cancel it due to a foul committed by Messi before the shot.
Toronto capitalized early in the second half. In the 47th minute, Lorenzo Insigne’s cross found Bernardeschi, who squeezed the ball past two Miami defenders and goalkeeper Drake Callender to put the visitors 1-0 up. Callender, making his first start of the season, couldn’t keep the effort out despite a strong attempt.
Messi quickly equalized in first-half stoppage time. Telasco Segovia fed him a ball just outside the box, and Messi unleashed a powerful left-footed strike to beat Johnson and score his third MLS goal of the season.
Toronto could’ve gone ahead earlier, with Theo Corbeanu hitting the post twice in quick succession during the first half. In the end, neither side could break the deadlock after the interval, and the match ended level.
While Toronto will take confidence from holding a strong Miami side, the hosts will see it as two points lost.
