MLS: Messi Scores as Inter Miami Suffer 2-1 Defeat to Toronto

Lionel Messi was on target, but his goal was not enough to prevent Inter Miami from suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Toronto on Saturday, extending their winless run to five matches.

Miami found themselves two goals down after Toronto struck twice in the second half. Josh Sargent opened the scoring in the 59th minute before Derrick Etienne Jr. doubled the visitors’ advantage three minutes later.

Messi reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute, finishing after receiving a superb through ball from fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul.

Inter Miami pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way through Toronto’s defence.

The result means Miami have now gone five consecutive matches without a victory, recording four defeats and one draw across MLS and Leagues Cup competitions.

Messi, who has scored 14 MLS goals this season, remains second on the league’s scoring chart behind Dallas forward Petar Musa, who has 16 goals.

Despite their poor run of form, Miami remain second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville, who have a game in hand.

Chicago Fire moved within three points of Miami after playing out a 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Orlando City strengthened its position in the MLS Cup playoff places with a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake.

French forward Antoine Griezmann, who recently joined Orlando from Atletico Madrid, scored twice in the second half to complete his first MLS brace after Dominik Marczuk had given Real Salt Lake the lead in the 36th minute.