Lionel Messi’s Stunning Strike Rescues Inter Miami But Doubts Remain Ahead Of Decisive LAFC Clash
Inter Miami’s stalemate with Toronto FC over the weekend brought drama, quality, and a fair share of concern as Lionel Messi dazzled yet again but Javier Mascherano’s men failed to capitalise, leaving question marks hanging ahead of a crucial rematch against Los Angeles FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The match unfolded amid heavy fixture congestion for Inter Miami, who suffered a midweek defeat to LAFC in the Champions Cup quarterfinal first leg. This placed extraordinary focus on Sunday’s MLS outing and the surprising choice of lineup by head coach Javier Mascherano. Contrary to expectations, he fielded stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets from the start, rather than resting them for the decisive Champions Cup showdown slated for Wednesday.
“People might have been surprised,” Mascherano admitted post-match, before clarifying his rationale. “Throwing this game away wasn’t in my plans. These players, beyond their age, have played every three days their entire lives. We believed making rotations elsewhere was more appropriate.” Notably, Busquets—who is suspended midweek—went the full 90 minutes alongside Messi and Alba, while only Suarez was subbed off to allow a debut for young forward Allen Obando.
The gamble partially paid off in individual brilliance, as Messi once again was Miami’s saviour. Trailing after Federico Bernardeschi poked Toronto ahead during the first half, Messi swiftly equalised in stoppage time with a sumptuous left-foot volley—his 40th goal for the Florida club and his third strike in four MLS games this season. The maestro’s curling shot was a reminder of his enduring genius and kept his streak alive of contributing at least one goal or assist in every MLS appearance this campaign. Earlier, he had already seen another fine finish ruled out by VAR for a preceding foul.
Still, the 1-1 draw represents a missed opportunity. Toronto, third from bottom with just three points in seven matches and infamously toothless in attack so far this year, threatened frequently on the counter, twice hitting the post in the opening exchanges. Inter Miami’s defence looked unsettled and vulnerable, exposed by Toronto’s fast breaks and sharp movement—a recurring issue Mascherano lamented afterward. “We were disconnected during many phases of the match,” he warned. “If we don’t understand that, we’re going to suffer like we did today, and with a final like the one on Wednesday, if we’re not switched on from minute one, it’s going to be tough.”
This uneasy outing follows on the heels of their Champions Cup setback in Los Angeles, accentuating worries about form, fatigue, and cohesion as Miami chase their continental ambitions. As Messi’s brilliance masks systemic fragility, the stakes for the reverse fixture midweek soar ever higher: overturn a 1-0 deficit against a top-tier LAFC side, or see their dreams of regional supremacy crumble.
Mascherano’s selection policy—balancing immediate MLS concerns and continental glory—remains open to scrutiny. If Inter Miami advance on Wednesday, his bravery in sticking with his veterans might be vindicated. Otherwise, critics who noted Miami’s flat spells and defensive lapses against modest opposition will circle back, questioning whether squad management cost them on both fronts.
For now, Messi’s moments of magic continue to light up American soccer, but the Herons’ destiny relies on solving defensive disorganisation and rediscovering collective sharpness in the matches that truly matter. Will Miami soar in the Champions Cup, or will these warning signs crystallise into disappointment? Fans worldwide will watch eagerly—and undoubtedly voice strong opinions after this pivotal week in their storied campaign.
What do you think about Mascherano’s game management and Inter Miami’s chances against LAFC? Share your thoughts below and join the debate!
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