Messi Strikes but Toronto Battles Back: 1-1 Draw at BMO Field

TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2025– Under the lights at BMO Field, Toronto FC earned a valuable point against star-studded Inter Miami in a tense 1-1 draw on Saturday night. Lionel Messi once again showcased his class with a second-half strike, but Toronto’s resilience, embodied by substitute Ayo Akinola, ensured the home fans had reason to cheer.

Messi broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, slipping behind Toronto’s backline and converting calmly after Jordi Alba’s precise delivery. The stadium fell silent as the Argentine maestro celebrated yet another MLS goal.

Just 14 minutes later, however, Toronto hit back. A scrappy sequence inside Miami’s box allowed Akinola to pounce, driving the ball past Drake Callender to restore parity.

“It was a gritty performance from the boys. We never gave up and fought for every inch,” said Toronto FC head coach JohnHerdman. “We showed a lot of character. We’ll take the point and build on this performance.”

The closing stages saw both sides pushing for a winner, with Messi threatening again from a free kick and Toronto nearly snatching victory through Lorenzo Insigne’s late effort. Neither side, however, could find the decisive touch.

“That was a tough battle,” admitted Inter Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. “We knew Toronto would challenge us, and they did just that. Every point matters now, and we’ll take it.”

The result leaves Toronto still battling in the lower half of the Eastern Conference, while Miami stays firmly in the playoff race.