Lionel Messi, Inter Miami rely on late goal to keep MLS record pursuit alive

Soccer fans in Toronto waiting patiently to see Lionel Messi, saw another Leo score Saturday afternoon.

Messi entered in the second half, while Leo Campana scored in extra time (90+3’) to help Inter Miami beat Toronto FC 1-0, and keep a pursuit of the MLS points record alive with one remaining match this season.

It appeared Messi and Inter Miami were content with the MLS Supporters’ Shield and the No. 1 seed in the MLS Cup Playoffs – which they earned with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew on Wednesday – until Campana’s score in the final minutes.

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

"We were able to meet the two objectives of giving them a rest and winning the match," Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said of several starters, like Messi, who rested in the first half.

Messi rose off the bench to begin warming up in the second half, and entered in the 60th minute to a loud ovation from fans, waiting for the Argentine World Cup champion to make an appearance at BMO Field.

Messi, who scored two goals against Columbus, had several touches during the match, but was unable to convert on his opportunities. It was Messi’s second game in Canada this season: Messi played in Montreal on May 11, but he did not play in Vancouver on May 25.

There was one moment of concern when Messi was kicked in the left foot after a hard challenge by Toronto defender Sigurd Rosted in the 79th minute. Messi quickly rose to his feet, and Rosted received a yellow card following the sequence.

Play was halted in the 86th minute as a fan invaded the pitch, as sometimes customary when Messi has played this season. 

Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and goalie Drake Callender did not start the match, as Inter Miami opted to give its stars some rest after clinching the league’s best record. Busquets and Suarez also entered the match in the second half.

Campana does not typically play when Messi and Suarez are on the field. But sticking with the Ecuadorian standout paid off for Inter Miami. Campana was able to increase his franchise lead to 32 goals, two ahead of Messi.

"With Leo and Luis joining, there are few possibilities for them to share the field," Martino said of Campana. "We left it, and we got the reward at the end."

Messi has four goals in six matches since his return from his Copa America right ankle injury that kept him sidelined for 2 ½ months, and 17 goals in MLS games this season.

Messi will join the Argentine national team for two World Cup qualifying matches – Oct. 10 at Venezuela and Oct. 15 vs. Bolivia – as the MLS season pauses for a FIFA international window before the Oct. 19 season finale.

Here are highlights from the Inter Miami-Toronto match:

Where to watch Inter Miami vs. Toronto live stream?

The Inter Miami match against Toronto FC is available for live stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

What time is Inter Miami match at Toronto?

The match begins at 4 p.m. ET, and is the only afternoon tilt on the MLS schedule Saturday.

Is Messi playing in Toronto?

Messi did not start the match, but he came off the bench in the 60th minute.

Messi has routinely posted a video to his Instagram story before matches when he plays, but he has yet to do so before Saturday’s Toronto match. This tweet from Inter Miami, where Messi’s jersey isn’t featured was also some indication other players might start the match.  

If Messi plays, it would be his second match in Canada this season: Messi played in Montreal on May 11, but did not play in Vancouver on May 25.

"I understand people’s expectations and the fact of coming to see him," Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said of Messi playing in Toronto. "Even so, we will try to decide the best for his health fundamentally."

How has Messi fared in his return from injury?

Messi has played in five games since his Copa America right ankle injury, most recently scoring two goals in a five-minute span against Columbus to clinch the club’s second title since he arrived in July 2023.

While Martino noted Messi continues to get stronger with the minutes he logs, and his rhythm has regained its form, the club wants to be conscious of the minutes Messi plays Saturday.

After the Toronto match, Messi will join the Argentine national team for two World Cup qualifying matches – Oct. 10 at Venezuela and Oct. 15 vs. Bolivia.

The MLS season ends on Oct. 19 where Inter Miami will host New England Revolution, who set the points record with 73 in 2021.

Inter Miami begins its run to the MLS Cup on Oct. 25, against the winner of the Wild Card matchup between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Toronto ended its season as the No. 9 seed, but No. 10 Philadelphia and No. 11 D.C. United also have 37 points in the standings with two games remaining. Montreal is in eighth place with 40 points.