Lionel Messi Breaks Inter Miami Record With Dazzling Equaliser In Toronto Clash

On a vibrant Sunday evening in Fort Lauderdale, Lionel Messi added yet another chapter to his extraordinary career by breaking Inter Miami’s all-time goal contribution record, salvaging a crucial 1-1 draw against Toronto FC in MLS Matchday 7. The Argentine maestro’s relentless brilliance continues to reshape the league’s landscape, cementing his legacy in North America.

The record-breaking moment arrived in first-half stoppage time when Messi, ever the artist, effortlessly controlled the ball, shuffled past defenders, and unleashed a sumptuous left-footed volley. The strike not only levelled the score after Federico Bernardeschi’s opener for Toronto but also registered Messi’s 44th goal contribution in just 29 MLS regular-season matches—a combined tally of 24 goals and 20 assists. This remarkable feat surpasses that of fellow Argentine and former star Gonzalo Higuaín, who took 67 matches to reach a similar count.

Messi’s impact since landing in South Florida in summer 2023 has been nothing short of seismic. In under two MLS seasons, the former Barcelona talisman guided Inter Miami to their maiden Leagues Cup triumph, an MLS Supporters’ Shield with a single-season points record, and earned the coveted Landon Donovan MLS MVP award through an astonishing 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 appearances during the previous campaign. Now, his dazzling equaliser against Toronto only broadens the gulf between him and his predecessors in the club’s history books.

The battle at Chase Stadium was more than Messi’s personal milestone. Early exchanges saw Jordi Alba and Telasco Segovia threatened for Miami but denied by Toronto's vigilant Sean Johnson. Toronto responded with intent, twice rattling the post with incisive moves, a reminder of their potential bite.

After a contentious VAR intervention denied Messi a goal—overturned due to a foul in the build-up—it was Toronto who struck first. Bernardeschi, slipping behind Miami’s wavering defence courtesy of Lorenzo Insigne’s clever assist, slotted home to silence the home crowd.

But Messi’s response was swift, underscoring his flair for high drama. His third goal in four league outings restored parity within mere minutes, delivering an exhibition in ball mastery and composure to keep Miami’s unbeaten run alive in MLS play. That goal pushed his all-competition total for Inter Miami to an impressive 40 goals.

The second half featured tense but squandered opportunities from both sides: Bernadeschi spurned a clear chance to double Toronto’s lead, with Luis Suárez swiftly mirroring the miss at the opposite end. Worn out, Suárez was eventually substituted as Toronto threatened late on, but goalkeeper Drake Callender’s sharp save preserved the point for Miami.

Despite the stalemate, Miami remain unbeaten (4-0-2) in league matches, just a point behind Eastern Conference leaders Columbus with a game in hand. Their only blemish this season came via a narrow Champions Cup defeat in Los Angeles, which they aim to overturn in Wednesday’s second leg at home.

While Toronto will seek their elusive first victory of the campaign against Minnesota next weekend, Messi and Miami will regroup aiming to extend their dominance away at Chicago Fire. In the meantime, the Argentine’s relentless pursuit of excellence commands admiration, his latest record yet another testament to a career defined by rewriting history.

As Messi’s influence continues to ripple through MLS and beyond, one wonders: just how much further can he elevate Inter Miami and the league itself? We invite you to share your thoughts and join the conversation—what has impressed you most about Messi’s American journey so far?

• Inter Miami FC
• Lionel Messi
• Toronto FC

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