The Argentine superstar scored once and provided two assists to guide Miami back to winning ways after their disappointing defeat against Orlando City. His performance also saw him set a new MLS record by becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 100 goal contributions.
Messi achieved the milestone in just 64 regular-season matches, recording 59 goals and 41 assists. The previous record belonged to former Toronto star Sebastian Giovinco, who reached the mark in 95 matches.
Speaking after the match, Messi admitted the game was not easy but praised his team’s response after recent setbacks.
“It was a hard game and difficult to play, especially in the first half. But we needed this win after the recent results, and I’m happy we achieved it,” Messi said.
Miami looked determined from the start and controlled most of the match.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a powerful free kick. Although Messi is usually trusted with free kicks, he allowed De Paul to take the opportunity, and the midfielder delivered in style with a strike that bounced in off the post.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when Messi and De Paul combined perfectly to set up Luis Suárez, who calmly finished for his 32nd goal in 63 appearances for the club.
Inter Miami continued to dominate in the second half. Defender Sergio Reguilón came off the bench and marked his third appearance for the club with his first goal in the 73rd minute after being picked out by Messi.
Only two minutes later, De Paul returned the favour by assisting Messi, who fired home Miami’s fourth goal of the night. The strike moved Messi to nine league goals this season, just one behind the current top scorer in MLS.
Toronto FC managed to respond late in the match through young forward Emilio Aristizábal, who scored twice in the final minutes to reduce the deficit. The 20-year-old rookie now has three goals in his first 11 league appearances.
Despite the late goals, Inter Miami comfortably secured the victory and extended their impressive road winning streak to six matches.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made three saves for Miami, while Luka Gavran recorded two saves for Toronto.
