Full Breakdown
Messi’s Late Strike Not Enough as Toronto FC Upsets Inter Miami
8/24/2026, 7:56:17 AM
Match Summary
Toronto FC defeated Inter Miami 2–1 on Saturday at Nu Stadium. Josh Sargent opened the scoring in the 59th minute, followed three minutes later by Derrick Etienne Jr. to give the visitors a two-goal lead. Lionel Messi reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute with his 14th league goal of the season, a first-time finish from a Rodrigo De Paul through-ball, but Inter Miami could not find an equaliser.
Recent Form & Stakes
Inter Miami entered the match on a slump, recording their fourth loss in five MLS games and having gone nearly a month without a win. The defeat left the club ten points behind league-leading Nashville SC while remaining second in the Eastern Conference. Toronto FC’s victory marked their fifth win in 21 league matches this season and extended their unbeaten run to four games. The club is 2-0-2 in its last four matches and 2-1-4 since July 1.
Player Highlights & Transactions
Messi’s goal was his 14th of the 2026 MLS season and his 64th in 71 career appearances for Inter Miami. Josh Sargent, who joined Toronto for an initial $22 million fee, scored his fourth goal for the club since his offseason arrival.
Official Statements & Responses
He noted he has not heard from ownership regarding his job security.
Toronto FC coach Robin Fraser praised his side’s defensive effort, saying the team “contained” Messi for a significant stretch of the match and highlighted the collective work in limiting the Argentine’s influence.
Disciplinary Actions
The MLS Disciplinary Committee fined Lionel Messi and defender Ian Fray undisclosed amounts for contacts to opponents’ head or neck areas in a separate incident during a 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union. Toronto defender Walker Zimmerman also received an undisclosed fine for failing to leave the field promptly after a red card.
Impact on Playoff Race
Inter Miami’s loss widens the gap to the Eastern Conference lead, increasing pressure to secure a top-four finish and home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Toronto’s win keeps its playoff hopes alive, moving the club closer to a potential postseason berth.
What’s Next
Toronto FC will host New York City FC on Saturday. Inter Miami’s upcoming schedule was not detailed in the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Great players find moments, and he obviously scored the goal, but I thought our guys did a tremendous job of getting around him and just not making it easy for him,” — Robin Fraser
- “Staying compact, everybody doing their jobs, splitting defensive roles and communication was massive today, and making sure there’s not many gaps and not giving him the outlets that he typically likes,” — Kobe Franklin
- “Obviously [he’s] the greatest player of all time, so respecting him, but also getting into him and making sure he he has a tough night,” — Kobe Franklin
