Messi Reaches 100 Goal Contributions as Inter Miami Defeats Toronto FC 4-2

Key facts

• Inter Miami defeated Toronto FC 4-2 on Saturday afternoon.
• Lionel Messi reached 100 goal contributions in his 64th MLS game.
• A record crowd of 44,828 fans attended the match at BMO Field.
• Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez, Sergio Reguilón, and Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami.
• Emilio Aristizábal scored both goals for Toronto FC in the second half.
• Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos called for greater protection for Lionel Messi.
• Toronto FC coach Robin Fraser was incensed by two non-calls by the referee.

Inter Miami Secures Victory Amidst Historic Milestone

Inter Miami CF secured a crucial 4-2 victory against Toronto FC on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field, a match marked by Lionel Messi's historic achievement of reaching 100 goal contributions in Major League Soccer. The win, which saw Inter Miami extend their lead in the standings, came in front of a record-breaking crowd, underscoring the growing interest in the league and its star players. Despite a strong second-half push from Toronto FC, which included two goals from substitute Emilio Aristizábal, Inter Miami managed to hold on for the win. The match also served as Toronto FC's final home game before the FIFA World Cup 2026 break, a fixture that also saw the club honour former striker Jozy Altidore. The reigning MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami, now sit with a 6W-2L-4T record and 22 points, while Toronto FC's defeat places them at 3W-4L-5T with 14 points. The game, however, was not without its controversies, drawing the ire of Toronto's coaching staff.

Messi's Record-Breaking Performance

Lionel Messi etched his name further into MLS history by becoming the fastest player to achieve 100 goal contributions, reaching the milestone in just his 64th league appearance. His performance against Toronto FC included a goal and two assists, solidifying his status as a transformative force in American soccer. This landmark achievement comes at a time when Messi's impact on stadium attendance and viewership is undeniable. The Argentine superstar's presence continues to draw massive crowds and generate significant attention, as evidenced by the record attendance at BMO Field. Messi himself acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating, "It was a hard game, and it was difficult to play, especially in the first half. But we were able to get an important win because we had to win given the recent results and how things happened, so I am happy."

A Game of Two Halves and Controversial Calls

The match saw Inter Miami take a commanding 4-0 lead before Toronto FC mounted a late comeback. Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a powerful volley following a rebound from his own free-kick. Luis Suárez doubled the lead in the 56th minute, converting a pass from Messi while Toronto defender Raheem Edwards was down injured. Sergio Reguilón added a third in the 73rd minute, again assisted by Messi, before the superstar himself found the back of the net two minutes later, tapping in a pass from De Paul. This seemingly insurmountable lead was chipped away by Emilio Aristizábal, who scored in the 82nd minute and again in the 90th minute, capitalizing on defensive errors and a well-placed cross. Toronto FC head coach Robin Fraser expressed significant frustration over two key non-calls by referee Victor Rivas. He specifically cited the incident where Raheem Edwards was fouled, leading to Inter Miami's second goal, and a potential penalty shout for Derrick Etienne Jr. in stoppage time. Fraser questioned whether star power influenced the referee's decisions, stating, "The rules are the rules. I don’t know if people are afraid to upset superstars by making calls against their team, but the rules are the rules."

Record Crowd and Stadium Preparations

BMO Field set a new attendance record with 44,828 fans packing the stadium for the highly anticipated clash. This figure was bolstered by the temporary stands, constructed for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which were utilized for the first time as a test run. Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos of Inter Miami complimented the stadium's facilities, deeming it "lovely and worthy of hosting World Cup matches." However, he raised concerns about the playing surface itself, suggesting it requires improvement to meet the standards expected by elite players. "The playing field needs to be fixed because the risk for players such as the ones we have are increased on a field like that," Hoyos stated, highlighting potential safety concerns for high-caliber athletes.

Calls for Player Protection Amidst Field Invasions

The match was briefly disrupted by pitch invaders who attempted to approach Lionel Messi, highlighting ongoing security concerns surrounding the superstar. While security managed to quickly regain control, the incidents prompted Inter Miami's interim coach Guillermo Hoyos to call for enhanced protection for his star player. "We have to take much better care of him, there’s only one Messi," Hoyos urged. "We have to take care of him because he fills stadiums. Say what you have to say and don’t be timid, there’s no problem with public expression. But I’m telling you straight up, we have to look after the players and protect them because they are the real stars." These concerns are amplified by the high stakes of the league and the presence of numerous international stars, making player safety a paramount issue for the league's continued growth and appeal.

Looking Ahead: Toronto FC's Road Ahead

Following this home defeat, Toronto FC is set to embark on a road trip to face Charlotte FC on Saturday, May 16. The match, scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be broadcast globally on Apple TV and on TSN5 in Canada. This upcoming fixture presents an opportunity for Toronto FC to regroup and improve their away form, as they aim to climb the standings. The team will need to address defensive lapses and capitalize on scoring opportunities to secure positive results. The club also acknowledged former striker Jozy Altidore during the match, inducting him into Legends Row at BMO Field, a nod to the team's history as they look to build for the future.

The bottom line

• Lionel Messi set a new MLS record by reaching 100 goal contributions in his 64th game.
• Inter Miami's 4-2 victory over Toronto FC was witnessed by a record crowd of 44,828 fans at BMO Field.
• Toronto FC's coach expressed strong dissatisfaction with the referee's officiating, citing two crucial non-calls.
• Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos emphasized the need for greater protection for Lionel Messi following pitch invasions.
• Concerns were raised about the condition of the BMO Field playing surface, deemed not up to World Cup standards.
• Toronto FC will play their next match away against Charlotte FC on May 16.