Lionel Messi set a new MLS record and propelled Inter Miami to a 4-2 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday, helping the team rebound from a previous defeat to Orlando City.
Messi contributed a goal and two assists as Miami surged to a commanding four-goal lead before conceding two late goals. With this performance, he became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goal contributions, tallying 59 goals and 41 assists in just 64 regular-season matches—surpassing the prior record of 95 set by Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco.
“It was a tough match and challenging to play, especially during the first half,” Messi remarked. “However, we managed to secure an important win given our recent performances, and I’m pleased with the result.”
Despite their recent 4-3 home loss to Orlando City after leading 3-0, Miami has now secured six consecutive away victories.
Rodrigo De Paul also contributed significantly with a goal and two assists, netting a free kick in the 44th minute to put Inter Miami ahead 1-0. Following a deflection off the wall, De Paul followed up with a shot that hit the left post and found its way into the net.
Though Messi typically takes all of the team’s direct free kicks, he allowed De Paul to take this one, resulting in the midfielder’s third career goal—all of which have come this season—during his 21 appearances over the last two seasons.
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Messi shines in Inter Miami’s victory over Toronto
Lionel Messi records two assists and a goal as Inter Miami defeats Toronto FC on the road.
Both Messi and De Paul registered their third assists of the season when they helped Luis Suárez score his second goal, extending the lead to 2-0 in the 56th minute. This marked Suárez’s 32nd goal in 63 career matches.
Defender Sergio Reguilón made his third appearance, coming on as a substitute in the 68th minute and scored his first goal just five minutes later, assisted by Messi, extending the lead to three goals.
De Paul assisted Messi for his ninth goal, bringing the score to 4-0 in the 75th minute. After tallying four assists in 11 appearances last season, De Paul now has three assists this campaign.
Toronto managed to get on the scoreboard with two goals from rookie Emilio Aristizábal. The 20-year-old found the net in the 82nd and 90th minutes, raising his tally to three goals in his inaugural 11 matches. Dániel Sallói provided the assist for his first goal, while Kobe Franklin added his second assist of the season and fellow defender Walker Zimmerman provided his first assist to complete Aristizábal’s brace.
Dayne St. Clair recorded three saves for Inter Miami (6-2-4), while Luka Gavran made two saves for Toronto (3-4-5).
This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.