Messi Scores But Inter Miami Falls 1-2 to Toronto FC
Lionel Messi scored in his return, but Inter Miami remains winless after a 1-2 defeat to Toronto FC. Coach Guillermo Hoyos takes responsibility.
Lionel Messi found the back of the net in his return to the pitch, but it was not enough to prevent Inter Miami from suffering another setback. The Florida-based club fell 1-2 to Toronto FC at Nu Stadium on Sunday, August 23, 2026, marking a continuation of a frustrating slump for the team.
Inter Miami controlled possession for large stretches of the match but struggled to translate that dominance into consistent scoring opportunities. Toronto FC arrived with a disciplined tactical plan, effectively closing down spaces and punishing the hosts whenever defensive gaps appeared.
Toronto strikes with quick-fire double
The outcome was decided by a clinical second-half display from the visitors. Josh Sargent broke the deadlock, and Derrick Etienne Jr. followed up with a second goal just three minutes later. The rapid sequence left the Inter Miami defense scrambling.
Messi narrowed the deficit eight minutes before the end of regulation time. He converted a precise through-ball from Rodrigo De Paul with a clinical first-time finish. Despite the late surge, Inter Miami failed to find an equalizer as their final attacking efforts lacked the necessary precision to break through Toronto’s stubborn structure.
Tactical struggles in Messi's return
Messi entered this fixture following a suspension that forced him to miss the previous outing. His absence in recent games has highlighted a dependency issue; without him, Inter Miami’s attacking creativity has suffered, leaving the team stagnant despite maintaining control of the ball.
Toronto exploited these shortcomings. By maintaining a compact defensive block, the visitors neutralized the pressure and launched effective counter-attacks. While Inter Miami moved the ball frequently, they remained blunt in the final third, failing to crack the opposition's defensive setup.
Inter Miami winless in five
The defeat extends Inter Miami's negative streak. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos and his squad have now gone five matches across all competitions without a win, recording four losses and one draw. In Major League Soccer (MLS) play, the team has managed only one draw and two losses in their last three outings, while also stumbling with two defeats during the Leagues Cup. The club's last victory came on July 23, 2026, in a 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire.
Hoyos admitted the team is navigating an unprecedented difficult phase and took full responsibility for the results. "We are currently facing difficulties with results we have never experienced before," Hoyos stated, acknowledging that the mounting pressure has begun to affect the players' mindset on the pitch.
Even in defeat, Messi extended his season tally to 14 goals, having scored in two consecutive appearances following his recent effort against the Philadelphia Union. However, those individual contributions have yet to stop the team’s downward slide, leaving Inter Miami searching for solutions.
