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 achieved 100 goal contributions in his 64th MLS game, the fastest in league history.
• Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 44th minute.
• Luis Suárez doubled the lead in the 56th minute, assisted by Lionel Messi.
• Sergio Reguilón scored Miami's third in the 73rd minute, assisted by Messi.
• Lionel Messi scored Inter Miami's fourth goal in the 75th minute.
• Emilio Aristizábal scored a second-half brace for Toronto FC, netting in the 82nd and 90th minutes.
• BMO Field set a new attendance record with 44,828 fans.

Miami Secures Vital Win Amidst Record Crowds

Inter Miami CF secured a crucial 4-2 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field, a result that saw their star captain, Lionel Messi, reach a significant personal milestone. The match, played before a record-breaking attendance, provided a much-needed boost for Miami following a disappointing collapse in their previous outing. The defending MLS Cup champions, who had squandered a 3-0 lead in a 4-3 home loss to Orlando City the prior weekend, found themselves in a commanding position for much of this contest. However, late defensive lapses allowed Toronto to claw back into the game, echoing recent anxieties for Miami supporters. Despite the late scare, Inter Miami held on for the win, with Messi leaving the field in good spirits after being named Man of the Match for his decisive contributions. The performance underscored the team's attacking prowess but also highlighted persistent defensive frailties that interim coach Guillermo Hoyos is determined to address.

Messi's Unprecedented Milestone

Lionel Messi etched his name further into the MLS record books by reaching 100 goal contributions in his 64th league appearance. This remarkable feat makes him the quickest player in the league's history to achieve such a tally, surpassing previous benchmarks. His performance against Toronto saw him directly involved in three of Inter Miami's four goals, registering a goal and two assists. This latest achievement adds to an already glittering career, reinforcing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. "It was a hard game, and it was difficult to play, especially in the first half," Messi commented after the match. "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 Match of Two Halves and Key Moments

Inter Miami established a commanding 3-0 lead before Toronto FC mounted a late challenge. Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a powerful volley following a rebound from his own free-kick. The lead was doubled in the 56th minute when Luis Suárez converted a pass from Messi, a goal that stood despite a Toronto player being down injured. Sergio Reguilón extended Miami's advantage in the 73rd minute, latching onto a through ball from Messi. The Argentine superstar then added his name to the scoresheet two minutes later, slotting home from De Paul's pass to make it 4-0. Toronto FC, who had made five changes from their previous match, found a lifeline in the 82nd minute. Substitute Emilio Aristizábal tapped in from close range after capitalizing on a defensive error, marking his second goal for the club. He added a second in the 90th minute with a header, bringing the score to 4-2 and setting up a tense finish.

Toronto FC's Struggles and Record Crowd

Toronto FC, playing their final home match before the FIFA World Cup 2026 break, endured another difficult afternoon. The club is currently winless in six matches across all competitions, a run that includes three draws and two defeats. Their league record stands at three wins, five draws, and three defeats from 11 outings, highlighting a struggle to convert home advantage into victories. The attendance at BMO Field reached a new record of 44,828 fans, drawn by the presence of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. The stadium's capacity had been temporarily increased for the upcoming World Cup, with the new stands open for the first time as a test run. During the match, Toronto FC honoured former striker Jozy Altidore, inducting him into Legends Row at halftime. Despite the club's current form, the occasion was marked by significant fan engagement, with many supporters donning Argentina jerseys.

Coaches' Concerns and Field Conditions

Inter Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos expressed concerns about player safety, particularly regarding Lionel Messi. He emphasized the need to "protect" the star player, citing incidents where pitch invaders nearly made contact with him. "We have to take much better care of him, there’s only one Messi," Hoyos stated. "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." Hoyos also commented on the playing surface at BMO Field, describing it as needing improvement to meet the standards required by elite players. He warned that the condition of the field increases the risk of injury for players of Inter Miami's caliber.

Looking Ahead for Both Clubs

Toronto FC will look to end their winless streak when they travel to face Charlotte FC on Saturday, May 16. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast globally on Apple TV and on TSN5 in Canada. Inter Miami, meanwhile, will aim to build on this victory as they continue their campaign. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but also vulnerabilities, and the focus will remain on maintaining consistency and addressing defensive issues. The league's tight schedule and the ongoing MLS season mean that both teams will quickly turn their attention to their next fixtures, with the pressure on Toronto to find form and on Miami to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference.

The bottom line

• Lionel Messi's 100 goal contributions in 64 MLS games is the fastest any player has reached this milestone.
• Inter Miami secured a vital 4-2 win against Toronto FC, ending a run of disappointing results.
• Toronto FC continues to struggle, remaining winless in their last six matches across all competitions.
• A record crowd of 44,828 fans attended the match at BMO Field.
• Concerns were raised by Inter Miami's coach regarding player safety and the condition of the playing field.