Lionel Messi's goal in first-half stoppage time helped Inter Miami CF earn a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC in a thrilling MLS match on Sunday.

Toronto, still winless this season (0-4-3), showed signs of improvement following a string of defeats, including a scoreless draw against the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps last week. Despite the draw, both teams had opportunities to secure a victory but failed to capitalize as the match neared its end.

Miami (4-0-2), sitting atop the Supporters' Shield standings, had an edge over Toronto, holding a 25-position advantage. This draw marked Toronto’s first-ever point at Miami, ending a five-match losing streak at the venue.

The match featured an intense back-and-forth, with Toronto hitting the woodwork twice in the opening 20 minutes. Miami had two goals disallowed, and both sides scored in first-half stoppage time. The first half saw 20 shots between the teams, with Miami leading 12-8 (5-2 in shots on target). Messi, who had another goal ruled out, was dangerous throughout the game.

Toronto’s Federico Bernardeschi opened the scoring in the 47th minute of stoppage time, capitalizing on a giveaway by Sergio Busquets. Messi responded three minutes later with a left-footed strike from inside the box, beating Toronto's goalkeeper Nickson Gomis for his third goal of the season. The goal survived a video review for a possible Miami foul.

The match was part of Miami’s hectic schedule, following their first loss of the season to Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Despite fatigue, coach Javier Mascherano started key players, including Messi, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba.

Next, Toronto will host Minnesota United on Saturday.

Source: Online 

BDST: 1436 HRS, APR 07, 2025
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