Messi Scores As Inter Miami Suffer 4th Defeat In 5 Games

Lionel Messi scored his 14th goal of the season, but Inter Miami’s poor run continued as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Toronto FC on Saturday.

Messi pulled one back for Miami with eight minutes of normal time remaining, finishing first-time from Rodrigo De Paul’s through ball, but the hosts were unable to complete the comeback at Nu Stadium.

Toronto had taken control of the match with two goals in three second-half minutes.

United States international Josh Sargent put the visitors ahead before Derrick Etienne Jr. doubled their advantage.

The victory was only Toronto’s fifth in 21 MLS matches this season but extended their unbeaten run to four games and revived their hopes of reaching the play-offs.

For Miami, however, the defeat represented another setback in a difficult spell. They have now lost four of their last five matches, including two defeats that ended their Leagues Cup campaign at the first hurdle.

They were also beaten 4-1 by Nashville SC last week, while a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union in midweek, in which Messi scored, briefly halted their losing run.

Miami’s latest defeat has allowed Nashville to extend its lead over them to 10 points at the top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings.

Although Miami remain second in the Eastern Conference, their recent form has raised concerns over their ability to secure a top-four finish and home advantage in the opening round of the play-offs.

Head coach Guillermo Hoyos admitted that the team were struggling for results and acknowledged that the responsibility rested with him and his coaching staff.

“Right now, we’re facing a struggle with results that we didn’t have before,” Hoyos said.

“That struggle affects our mindset, and that’s why things sometimes don’t go our way.”

Hoyos, who replaced Javier Mascherano in April after previously serving as the club’s sporting director, said he had received no indication from the club’s owners about his future.

The defeat came a day after MLS fined Messi and defender Ian Fray undisclosed amounts for separate incidents involving contact with opponents in the head and neck area during the draw against Philadelphia.

While Miami continue to search for a return to winning ways, Toronto’s unbeaten run has moved them closer to the MLS play-off places.