Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi scored his team’s first goal during stoppage time in the first half of an MLS soccer match against Toronto FC on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Messi found the net for the third time in four Major League Soccer matches this season, helping Inter Miami secure a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Sunday night. This goal marked his 40th across all competitions since joining Inter Miami, extending his franchise record.
The goal came in the form of a left-footed volley from the top of the 18-yard box, scored approximately five minutes into first-half stoppage time.
The tie leaves Inter Miami with a record of 4 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws, placing them just one point behind Columbus in the Eastern Conference, with one match in hand.
Messi’s goal equalized the match just three minutes after Federico Bernardeschi had opened the scoring for Toronto, which currently sits at 0 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws this season. Earlier in the half, Messi had a goal disallowed after a foul was determined to have occurred before he scored.
This match was significant for Toronto as it marked only their second time holding the lead this season, the first being a brief 19-minute spell against Chicago last month. However, Messi quickly canceled out their advantage.
So far this season, Messi has contributed at least one point in each of the four MLS matches he has played. Overall, Inter Miami boasts an 8-1-2 record when including their four victories in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Their only loss this season was a 1-0 defeat against LAFC in a Champions Cup match last week, with the second leg of that matchup scheduled for Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale.
Toronto will next play at home against Minnesota on Saturday, while Inter Miami resumes MLS play next Sunday against the Chicago Fire.
