Lionel Messi continued his scoring form and reached 64 goals for Inter Miami, but the Argentine superstar could not rescue his team from a 2-1 defeat to Toronto FC as Miami extended their winless run to five matches.
Messi Scores Again but Inter Miami’s Nightmare Run Continues After Toronto Defeat
Lionel Messi continues to deliver for Inter Miami, but even his goals are not enough to stop the club’s worrying run of results.
The Argentine superstar scored late in Inter Miami’s 2-1 home defeat to Toronto FC, finding the net for the second consecutive MLS match.
Messi also reached another major personal milestone, but Miami have now gone five consecutive matches without a victory across all competitions.
Messi scores again for Inter Miami
Inter Miami found themselves 2-0 behind after Toronto struck twice in quick succession during the second half.
Josh Sargent opened the scoring in the 59th minute before Derrick Etienne Jr. doubled the visitors’ advantage just three minutes later.
Messi gave Miami hope in the 82nd minute.
Rodrigo De Paul played the Argentine through before Messi produced a composed finish into the far corner to make it 2-1.
Miami pushed for an equaliser but could not complete the comeback.
Messi reaches 14 MLS goals
The goal was Messi’s 14th of the 2026 MLS regular season.
It also meant he had scored in consecutive league appearances after finding the net against Philadelphia Union in the previous match.
Against Philadelphia, Messi contributed a goal and an assist in a 2-2 draw.
Against Toronto, he scored again.
But Miami failed to win either match.
Another huge Inter Miami milestone
Messi’s latest strike also took him to 64 goals in 71 appearances for Inter Miami across all competitions.
The extraordinary scoring rate demonstrates how influential the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains for the MLS club.
Brazilian outlet ge also calculated that the Toronto goal took Messi to 923 official senior goals for club and country.
Even at this stage of his career, the records continue to fall.
An emotional celebration
After scoring, Messi once again raised his hands towards the sky.
The emotional celebration continued his tribute to his father, Jorge Messi, following his recent passing.
It followed a similarly emotional moment against Philadelphia, when Messi scored his first goal following the family tragedy.
Inter Miami’s problems are getting worse
While Messi continues to produce individually, Inter Miami’s overall form has become increasingly concerning.
The defeat to Toronto extended Miami’s winless run to five matches across all competitions.
During that sequence, they have recorded four defeats and one draw.
Their most recent victory came in a 4-2 Leagues Cup win over Atlético San Luis.
In MLS, Miami have also struggled throughout August.
The contrast is becoming impossible to ignore.
Messi is scoring.
Inter Miami are not winning.
Toronto make history in Miami
The result also represented a significant moment for Toronto FC.
It was Toronto’s first-ever away victory against Inter Miami.
Reports also noted that it was the first time Toronto had defeated Miami with Messi on the pitch.
That added another layer of disappointment to an already frustrating evening for the home side.
Messi continues to push in the Golden Boot race
Messi’s 14th league goal also keeps him firmly involved near the top of the MLS scoring charts.
His recent run has brought him closer to the leading contenders in the Golden Boot race.
With goals in consecutive league games, the Argentine is once again building momentum individually.
The bigger question is whether Inter Miami can begin turning his contributions into victories.
Messi delivers, but Miami cannot escape their slump
The story of Inter Miami’s latest match was ultimately one of sharp contrast.
Messi scored again.
He reached 14 MLS goals this season.
He moved to 64 goals in 71 appearances for Inter Miami.
Yet the final score still read:
Inter Miami 1-2 Toronto FC.
Miami have now gone five consecutive matches without winning, and the pressure is beginning to grow.
Messi continues to provide the goals and the milestones.
Now Inter Miami desperately need the results to follow.
