Messi shines as Inter Miami beat Toronto FC 4-2 in MLS

Lionel Messi scored once and provided two assists as Inter Miami CF returned to winning form with an impressive 4-2 victory over Toronto FC in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

Miami bounced back strongly after suffering a 4-3 home defeat to Orlando City SC in last week’s Florida derby, securing an important away win in Canada.

Messi delivered another standout performance ahead of Argentina’s upcoming FIFA World Cup title defence, helping Inter Miami move to within one point of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.

Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring just before halftime when his free-kick rebounded off the Toronto wall and fell kindly for him to volley home from the edge of the penalty area.

Miami doubled their advantage in the 56th minute after Messi produced a first-time pass to former FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, who calmly slotted in to make it 2-0.

Messi was again involved in Miami’s third goal on 73 minutes, setting up substitute Sergio Reguilon for his first-ever MLS goal.

The Argentine superstar then capped his performance with a goal of his own two minutes later. De Paul broke down the right flank before delivering a low cross that Messi guided into the bottom corner past Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran.

Toronto attempted a late comeback through Colombian substitute Emilio Aristizabal, who scored twice in the 82nd and 90th minutes, but Miami held firm through 11 minutes of stoppage time to secure their sixth league win of the season.