Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Eye MLS History After Win Over Toronto FC

By Mohd Faisal Hakak On Oct 6, 2024

Leo Campana netted a dramatic winner in the 93rd minute, securing a 1-0 victory for Inter Miami against Toronto FC at BMO Field. This result brings Miami to the brink of making history, while Toronto now requires favorable outcomes later on Saturday and in Matchday 38 to secure a playoff spot.

The match was largely uneventful for the first 60 minutes, as both teams found it difficult to generate chances. Inter Miami started the game without their former Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba while Toronto FC also missed key players Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi in their starting lineup.

Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino opted for a tactical change midway through the second half, bringing on Messi and Busquets in a bid to secure a victory. Toronto FC also introduced Insigne late in the match, while Bernardeschi was unavailable due to suspension.

Forward Leonardo Campana ended the stalemate in the 93rd minute by scoring off a pass from teammate Luis Suárez, marking his eighth goal of the season and bringing the Herons closer to making history.

Two-man game. 🤝

Suarez & Campana combine to give Miami the lead LATE. pic.twitter.com/H8l3VX66aX

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 5, 2024

“Playing Suarez and Messi late is something that we defined on Friday,” said Martino. “It was logical that after two complete games, as most of them had played, we would make a rotation. It seemed to me that if I made the rotation, I should make it deep … and well we were able to meet the two objectives: one for the players to have some rest and the other to win the game, which is what we wanted.

“We wanted to start from what it represents, especially on a motivational level, and to be able to achieve the points record,” he added.

The New England Revolution currently holds the MLS record with 73 points, achieved in 2021. However, a victory in their final match of the season would allow Inter Miami to surpass that mark and set a new record with 74 points. Coincidentally, Miami will have the opportunity to secure this milestone when they host New England on October 19, the final day of the regular season, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Herons have already made history this season by clinching the Supporters’ Shield, marking their first piece of MLS silverware since their debut as an expansion franchise in 2020. This victory also ensures that Inter Miami will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the entire MLS playoffs.

Mohd Faisal Hakak

Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.