Lionel Messi Scores As Inter Miami Lose 2–1 to Toronto FC in MLS 2026
Lionel Messi's 82nd-minute goal wasn't enough to save Inter Miami CF as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Toronto FC in the MLS regular season on August 22, 2026. This loss extends Inter Miami's winless streak to five consecutive matches.
Inter Miami CF's challenging August continued on Saturday night, August 22, 2026, as they succumbed to a 2-1 home defeat against Toronto FC in Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season action at Nu Stadium. Despite a late effort from superstar Lionel Messi, whose 82nd-minute goal offered a glimmer of hope, the Herons couldn't overturn the deficit, extending their winless streak to five consecutive matches. This loss also marked Toronto FC's first-ever victory in Miami. Lionel Messi Fined by MLS for Slapping Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan During Inter Miami’s 2–2 Draw.
Inter Miami Lose 1-2
FT. pic.twitter.com/RlYzWQBa5V
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 23, 2026
Match Report
Inter Miami kicked off the match with attacking pressure, creating early chances through Germán Berterame and Luis Suárez in the 15th and 19th minutes respectively, but failed to break the deadlock in a goalless first half. The narrative shifted dramatically after the break, with Toronto FC seizing control. Josh Sargent opened the scoring for the visitors in the 59th minute, precisely guiding a shot into the bottom-left corner past Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, assisted by Dániel Sallói.
Just three minutes later, Derrick Etienne Jr. doubled Toronto's lead in the 62nd minute, smashing a low shot home after a charge from Richie Laryea and a pass from Sallói, leaving the home crowd stunned. Inter Miami pushed hard for a comeback, and captain Lionel Messi delivered in the 82nd minute, netting his 14th goal of the regular season with a left-footed finish from the right side of the box, following a line-splitting pass from Rodrigo De Paul, who recorded his ninth assist of the season.
However, despite eight minutes of added time and relentless pressure, Toronto FC's defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Luka Gavran who made two crucial saves, held firm to secure a historic away victory.
Turning Points
Toronto FC's quickfire goals in the 59th and 62nd minutes proved to be the decisive turning point. Sargent's clinical finish and Etienne Jr.'s powerful strike created a two-goal cushion that Inter Miami, even with Messi's brilliance, found insurmountable. The defensive resilience shown by Toronto FC in the final minutes also played a critical role in preserving their lead.
Form Guide & Head-to-Head
Inter Miami's loss means they are now 0-3-2 in August, having registered two draws and three losses in their five matches this month. Toronto FC, on the other hand, arrived in Miami in better form, boasting a 2-0-2 record in their previous four matches and a 2-1-4 record since July 1.
In the all-time series, Inter Miami still holds a significant advantage with 9 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws against Toronto FC. However, this victory marks a notable milestone for Toronto, being their first-ever away win against the Florida-based side.
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami CF | 9 | 2 | 4 |
| Toronto FC | 4 | 2 | 9 |
What's Next?
Inter Miami will look to rebound from this disappointing result when they host CF Montréal at Nu Stadium next Saturday, August 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, buoyed by their impressive away win, Toronto FC will return home to BMO Field to face New York City FC on the same day, August 29, also at 7:30 p.m. ET.
This defeat underscores a challenging period for Inter Miami, who will need to quickly address their defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent form to reignite their MLS campaign, even with Messi continuing to find the back of the net.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2026 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
