Inter Miami CF continued its strong start to the 2025 MLS regular season, earning a hard-fought point at home with a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC at Chase Stadium. With the result, the Herons remain unbeaten through six matches (4W-0L-2D, 14 points), maintaining their position near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Captain Lionel Messi once again played the hero for Inter Miami, scoring the team’s lone goal on the night — his third of the 2025 MLS season and sixth across all competitions — with a sublime left-footed volley in first-half stoppage time.
Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino rolled out a familiar 4-5-1 formation with Drake Callender making his first start of the season in goal. The backline featured Ian Fray, Tomás Avilés, Gonzalo Luján, and Jordi Alba. The midfield was packed with experience and young talent alike, including Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, Robert Taylor, Telasco Segovia, and Messi. Luis Suárez once again led the line up top.
There was also a notable milestone for 17-year-old Ecuadorian forward Allen Obando, who made his matchday squad debut since signing with the club earlier this season.
The opening half was filled with energy and drama. Inter Miami had two goals disallowed due to offside calls and other infractions, frustrating an aggressive home side that was hungry to open the scoring. But it was Toronto who struck first, with Federico Bernardeschi finding the net in the 45’+2’ minute after a quick counterattack.
However, Inter Miami’s response was swift. Just three minutes later, Telasco Segovia picked out Messi near the top of the box. The Argentine maestro calmly took a touch before rifling a left-footed volley into the bottom right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal tied the game 1-1 at halftime and marked another historic moment for Messi.
With that strike, Messi reached 44 goal contributions (goals and assists) in just 29 MLS regular-season games, surpassing Gonzalo Higuaín for the most in club history — and doing so in 38 fewer matches.
Inter Miami dominated the second half in possession and attacking intent, finishing with 22 total shots (nine on target) to Toronto’s 13. Despite the pressure, the breakthrough never came.
The match also saw the debut of Obando, who came on in the 69th minute to replace Suárez. The young forward showed promise in his first professional minutes in MLS, making several lively runs and linking up well with Messi and Taylor. Ultimately, both sides settled for a point in a high-tempo affair that showcased Inter Miami’s depth, creativity, and resilience.
Inter Miami now shifts its focus to continental competition as they prepare to host LAFC on Wednesday, April 9, at Chase Stadium. The two sides will battle in the decisive second leg of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET. With Messi firing on all cylinders and Obando adding depth to an already stacked attacking unit, Inter Miami continues to build momentum in both league and international play.
