Inter Miami has not won for the first time since the first MLS match day. Despite a goal from Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano’s team could not beat Toronto.
Inter Miami had won seven consecutive matches before suffering their first competitive defeat of the season against LAFC last Thursday. However, the lost tie with Los Angeles had no impact on the standings, as it was the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.
On Sunday night, however, Miami suffered an unexpected setback in the MLS. Javier Mascherano’s team were clear favorites against second-from-last in the table, Toronto, but could not get past a 1-1 draw in front of their home crowd.
After 39 minutes, Lionel Messi had scored what would have been Miami’s supposed lead, but the goal was disallowed due to foul play in advance of it. The frantic first half saw Federico Bernardeschi, a familiar name in the Serie A, put the underdogs in front in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. The former Fiorentina and Juve player benefited from an assist from fellow Italian Lorenzo Insigne.
Messi had the perfect response
However, in almost the same move, eight-time World Player of the Year Messi equalized (45+5), but that was already the final score. Miami continued to struggle in the second half and ultimately had to settle for the draw. Since Columbus Crew celebrated a 2-1 win over CF Montreal, Miami had to relinquish the lead in the Eastern Conference.
“It was a difficult game. People thought Toronto might not be good in the standings, but they have a good offense and played really well,” said coach Javier Mascherano, who was already looking ahead. “We have to think about Wednesday.”
On Wednesday night (2 a.m. CET), the second leg against Los Angeles will take place in Miami. After the 1-0 defeat in the first leg, Messi, Suarez & Co. are under pressure. The first title of the season is in jeopardy.
