Toronto FC claimed an impressive 2-1 Major League Soccer win over Inter Miami CF on Saturday night, surviving a late Lionel Messi response after a decisive three-minute burst early in the second half.
The sides went into the interval level at 0-0 after a tight, physical opening 45 minutes. Inter Miami controlled much of the ball and finished with 61.9% possession, but Toronto stayed compact without it and limited the hosts’ ability to turn their territorial advantage into clear chances.
Toronto’s breakthrough arrived in the 59th minute when Josh Sargent found the net to give the visitors the lead. Before Miami could settle, Toronto struck again in the 62nd minute through Derrick Etienne Jr., whose goal doubled the advantage and put the visitors firmly in command.
Inter Miami continued to press, recording 10 shots to Toronto’s seven and earning three corners, but Toronto’s defensive structure held for much of the closing stretch. Messi gave the home support hope when he scored in the 82nd minute, cutting the deficit to one and setting up a tense finish.
However, Toronto saw out the remaining minutes to secure all three points. Richie Laryea was booked for Toronto in the 37th minute, while Inter Miami’s Maximiliano Falcón saw yellow in the 53rd minute and David Ayala was cautioned in stoppage time.
The result moves Toronto on from a difficult recent run with a disciplined away performance, while Inter Miami are left to reflect on a costly spell after halftime despite Messi’s late intervention.
Next fixtures: Inter Miami host CF Montréal on Saturday, August 29, while Toronto FC welcome New York City FC on the same day.
