In a thrilling encounter on Sunday night, Inter Miami faced off against Toronto FC in Matchday 7 of the 2025 MLS season at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The match kicked off at 7:00 PM ET, bringing together two teams with vastly different fortunes this season.
Inter Miami, riding high on their recent performances, aimed to bounce back after a disappointing 1-0 loss to LAFC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals just days prior. With superstar Lionel Messi leading the charge, the Herons were looking to secure a crucial victory to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings. They entered the match with a record of four wins and one draw, sitting in second place, just two points behind the Columbus Crew.
On the other hand, Toronto FC was struggling at the bottom of the table, with only two points from their first six matches and desperate for a win. The team, coached by Robin Fraser, had yet to secure a victory this season, making them one of the league's most troubled sides.
The match began with Inter Miami dominating possession, but it was Toronto who struck first. In the 45+2 minute, Federico Bernardeschi found the back of the net after a crafty series of dribbles, giving the visitors a surprising lead just before halftime. This goal came against the run of play, as Inter Miami had been pressing hard for an opener.
However, Inter Miami quickly responded in the second half. Just two minutes after Toronto's goal, Messi equalized in the 50th minute, scoring his sixth goal of the season and his 40th in his MLS career. The Argentine superstar's left-footed shot brought the crowd to its feet and shifted the momentum back to the home side.
Despite the equalizer, the match was not without its controversies. Messi had a goal disallowed in the 37th minute for a foul committed earlier in the play. Additionally, a potential goal from Telasco Segovia was ruled offside, further frustrating the Miami fans.
Throughout the match, Inter Miami showcased their attacking prowess, with Messi, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba all starting. Coach Javier Mascherano had opted to field his star players despite the looming Champions Cup match against LAFC, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum in the league.
"We have an idea what we’re going to do, but it hasn’t even been 48 hours since the game against Los Angeles, so we have to see how each player recovers," Mascherano said prior to the match. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing the lineup for both the league and the Champions Cup.
Toronto FC, meanwhile, had their own issues to contend with. They were without key players like Richie Laryea and Kevin Long, and their designated players, including Lorenzo Insigne, were underperforming. Insigne, who holds one of the highest contracts in MLS, had yet to contribute significantly to the team's efforts.
As the match progressed, Inter Miami continued to apply pressure, creating several scoring opportunities. However, Toronto’s defense, led by goalkeeper Sean Johnson, held firm, making critical saves to keep the score level.
In the end, the match concluded with a 1-1 draw, leaving Inter Miami slightly disappointed as they aimed to reclaim their spot at the top of the Eastern Conference. Despite the setback, they remained undefeated in MLS play, with a record of 4-0-2.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will need to refocus as they prepare for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup against LAFC on Wednesday. The stakes are high, and with the aggregate score at 1-0 in favor of LAFC, Miami must win to advance in the tournament.
As for Toronto FC, the draw may provide a much-needed boost in confidence as they continue their search for their first victory of the season. With a tough schedule ahead, every point will be crucial for their hopes of climbing out of the bottom of the table.
This match served as a reminder of the unpredictability of MLS, where fortunes can shift rapidly, and every game is critical for teams striving for success.
