Toronto FC vs Inter Miami result, highlights: Messi plays, Campana goal

Soccer fans in Toronto who were patiently waiting to see Lionel Messi saw another Leo goal on Saturday afternoon.

Messi came on in the second half while Leo Campana scored in extra time (90+3), helping Inter Miami beat Toronto FC 1-0 and chase the MLS points record with one remaining game this season.

It seemed as if Messi and Inter Miami were content with the MLS Supporters' Shield and the No. 1 seed in the MLS Cup Playoffs – which they secured with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew on Wednesday – until Campana in the final minutes scored a goal.

Inter Miami needs a win against New England Revolution on October 19, the final day of the season, to set a new league record of 74 points per season. A draw against Toronto would have set the stage for Inter Miami to match New England's 2021 mark of 73 points.

“We were able to achieve the two goals of giving them a break and winning the game,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said of several starters, like Messi, who rested in the first half.

Messi rose from the bench to start warming up in the second half and came into the game in the 60th minute^Th minute to loud applause from the fans who were waiting for the Argentine world champion to appear at BMO Field.

Messi, who scored two goals against Columbus, had several touches of the ball during the game but was unable to capitalize on his chances. It was Messi's second game in Canada this season: Messi played in Montreal on May 11th, but did not play in Vancouver on May 25th.

There was a moment of concern when Messi was kicked in the left foot after a hard foul by Toronto defender Sigurd Rosted in the 79th minute^Th Minute. Messi quickly got up and Rosted received a yellow card after the sequence.

The game was stopped in the 86th minute when a fan entered the pitch, as is sometimes the case when Messi has played this season.

Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and goalkeeper Drake Callender were not in the starting line-up as Inter Miami opted to give their stars some rest after posting the league's best record. Busquets and Suarez also came into play in the second half.

Usually Campana doesn't play when Messi and Suarez are on the field. However, sticking with Ecuador's outstanding performance paid off for Inter Miami. Campana extended his franchise lead to 32 goals, two ahead of Messi.

“With Leo and Luis joining, there are few opportunities for them to share the field,” Martino said of Campana. “We let it go and got the reward in the end.”

Messi has scored four goals in six games since returning from his right ankle injury in the Copa America that sidelined him for two and a half months and has 17 goals in MLS games this season.

Messi will join the Argentina national team for two World Cup qualifiers – in Venezuela on October 10 and against Bolivia on October 15 – while the MLS season will be paused for a FIFA international window before the season finale on October 19.

Here are the highlights of the Inter Miami-Toronto game:

Where to watch Inter Miami vs Toronto live stream?

Inter Miami's game against Toronto FC is available to stream live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

When is the Inter Miami game in Toronto?

The game begins at 4:00 p.m. ET and is the only afternoon game on Saturday's MLS schedule.

Does Messi play in Toronto?

Messi was not in the starting line-up but was substituted on in the 60th minute.

Messi has regularly posted a video on his Instagram story before the games he plays in, but he has yet to do so ahead of Saturday's game against Toronto. This tweet from Inter Miami, in which Messi's jersey is not visible, was also a hint that other players could start the game.

Should Messi play, it would be his second game in Canada this season: Messi played in Montreal on May 11th, but not in Vancouver on May 25th.

“I understand people's expectations and the fact that they come to see him,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said of Messi's game in Toronto. “Nevertheless, we will try to decide what is best for his health.”

How did Messi fare after his injury?

Messi has played five games since injuring his right ankle in the Copa America and most recently scored two goals in five minutes against Columbus to secure the club's second title since his arrival in July 2023.

While Martino noted that Messi is getting stronger with the minutes he logs and his rhythm is getting back into shape, the club wants to keep an eye on the minutes Messi plays on Saturday.

After the game in Toronto, Messi will play two World Cup qualifiers with the Argentina national team – against Venezuela on October 10th and against Bolivia on October 15th.

The MLS season ends on October 19th when Inter Miami hosts New England Revolution, who set the points record in 2021 with 73 points.

Toronto FC vs Inter Miami result, highlights: Messi plays, Campana goal

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