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Messi’s Late Goal Still Fails as Inter Miami Falls 2-1

8/24/2026

40 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Inter Miami lost 2-1 to Toronto FC in MLS.
Lionel Messi netted his 14th season goal in the 82nd minute.
Josh Sargent scored in the 59th minute and Derrick Etienne Jr. added three minutes later.
Toronto FC’s win gave them five wins in 21 games, staying unbeaten in four and boosting playoff hopes.
MLS fined Messi and defender Ian Fray undisclosed amounts for hand-to-head violations.

History

Historical Context

MLS was created in 1995 to satisfy FIFA’s 1994 World Cup promise and launched its first season in 1996 with ten teams; Commissioner Doug Logan fined Jeff Agoos $5,000 after a head-to-head clash in the league’s opening match. That precedent underpins today’s undisclosed fines on Lionel Messi and Ian Fray, showing MLS’s long-standing focus on player safety.

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Story summary

Inter Miami lost 2-1 to Toronto FC in MLS.
Lionel Messi netted his 14th season goal in the 82nd minute.
Josh Sargent scored in the 59th minute and Derrick Etienne Jr. added three minutes later.
Toronto FC’s win gave them five wins in 21 games, staying unbeaten in four and boosting playoff hopes.
MLS fined Messi and defender Ian Fray undisclosed amounts for hand-to-head violations.

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