Messi Sets MLS Mark As Miami Downs Toronto

Lionel Messi broke an MLS record and inspired Inter Miami to a 4-2 win over Toronto FC on Saturday as the visitors bounced back from their Orlando City defeat in style.

Messi had a goal and two assists in the game as Miami stormed into a four-goal lead before two late consolation strikes. It means he is the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goal contributions with 59 goals and 41 assists in 64 regular-season matches, shattering the previous record of 95 set by Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco.

“It was a hard game and it was difficult to play, especially in the first half,” Messi said. “But we were able to get an important win because we had to win given the recent results and how things happened, so I am happy.”

Though Miami was beaten 4-3 at home by Orlando City last week in a match it led 3-0, the winning streak on the road is now six.

Rodrigo De Paul also had a goal and two assists, scoring a free kick in the 44th minute to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. The midfielder corralled the ball after it ricocheted off the wall of players and banged a second shot off the left post and into the net.

Messi usually takes all of the club’s direct free kicks but he yielded to De Paul, who delivered his third career goal — all this year — in his 21st appearance over two seasons.

Messi and De Paul both picked up their third assists of the campaign when they set up Luis Suárez for his second goal and a 2-0 lead in the 56th minute. It was the 32nd goal in 63 career matches for Suárez.

Defender Sergio Reguilón made his third appearance when he subbed into the match in the 68th minute before scoring his first goal in the 73rd — with an assist from Messi — for a three-goal lead.

De Paul set up Messi for his ninth goal — one off the league lead — in the 75th minute to make it 4-0. De Paul has three assists after collecting his first four in 11 appearances last season.