Lionel Messi breaks MLS record in Inter Miami win over Toronto
Lionel Messi became the fastest player in Major League Soccer history to reach 100 goal contributions as Inter Miami bounced back from a recent defeat to secure a 4-2 away victory against Toronto FC on Saturday.
The Argentine forward registered a goal and two assists, helping his side race into a commanding four-goal lead before the hosts found two late consolation strikes.
By reaching the century mark for combined goals and assists in just 64 regular-season matches, the club captain shattered the previous league record of 95 games held by former Toronto striker Sebastian Giovinco.
De Paul and Suarez extend away streak
Miami entered the fixture desperate for a response following a shock 4-3 home defeat to Orlando City last week, a match in which they remarkably squandered a 3-0 advantage.
However, their away form remained imperious, and this vital result extended their winning streak on the road to six consecutive matches.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 44th minute, firing home his own rebound from a free-kick after his initial effort struck the defensive wall.
In a rare departure from standard set-piece duties, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner yielded the dead ball to De Paul, who confidently converted his third goal of the current campaign.
Late fightback from youthful Toronto
The dominant visitors doubled their advantage shortly after the interval when both Messi and De Paul combined to set up veteran striker Luis Suarez for his 32nd career goal.
Defender Sergio Reguilon then made an immediate impact from the bench, scoring his first goal for the Florida outfit in the 73rd minute following a precise delivery from their talismanic number 10.
The roles were reversed moments later as De Paul provided the assist for the former Barcelona star to stroke home his ninth goal of the season, leaving him just one behind the league’s top scorer.
Despite trailing heavily, the Canadian hosts managed to avoid conceding a clean sheet thanks to a late brace from 20-year-old rookie Emilio Aristizabal.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair preserved the two-goal margin with three crucial saves, ensuring the visitors improved their season record to six wins, two draws, and four defeats.