MIAMI — Toronto FC earned an impressive 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night, overcoming a late goal from Lionel Messi to leave Nu Stadium with all three points.
After a scoreless first half, Toronto struck twice in the second half to take control of the match. Josh Sargent opened the scoring in the 59th minute, finishing a move created by Dániel Sallói and Derrick Etienne Jr.
Just three minutes later, Toronto doubled its advantage. Etienne Jr. found the back of the net in the 62nd minute, giving TFC a commanding 2-0 lead.
Inter Miami continued to push forward and finally broke through in the 82nd minute when Messi scored after being set up by Rodrigo De Paul. The goal set up a tense closing stretch, but Toronto’s defence held firm through stoppage time to preserve the victory.
Toronto FC showed strong organisation and resilience against one of MLS’s biggest attacking teams. The visitors absorbed pressure, took advantage of their opportunities in the second half and survived Inter Miami’s late push.
The victory was a significant road result for TFC, with Sargent and Etienne Jr. providing the decisive goals in a memorable 2-1 win.
Final Score: Toronto FC 2, Inter Miami CF 1
Goals:
– TOR — Josh Sargent, 59′
– TOR — Derrick Etienne Jr., 62′
– MIA — Lionel Messi, 82′
Toronto FC’s two-goal burst early in the second half proved to be the difference as TFC held off a Messi-led Inter Miami comeback attempt to secure three valuable MLS points.
