One Man Can't Do It All! Messi Scores but Can't Save Miami, Inter Miami Loses Four of Last Five

Despite Messi giving his all with his 14th league goal of the season, Inter Miami still suffered a 1-2 defeat on the road against Toronto FC from Canada. This loss means they have lost four of their last five MLS matches, with their overall form becoming a major concern.

With eight minutes left in regulation time, the Argentine superstar received a through ball from Rodrigo De Paul and fired a shot into the net. However, despite a late push from the hosts, they ultimately fell short at BMO Field against the northern side.

Toronto FC launched an offensive within a three-minute span in the second half, with American forward Josh Sargent and Derrick Etienne Jr. both finding the net. These two goals earned a valuable three points for a struggling Toronto side, giving them just their fifth win in 21 league matches.

Apart from being eliminated in the first round of the Leagues Cup for two consecutive games, Inter Miami had suffered a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Nashville SC a week ago. Although they managed a 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union midweek, courtesy of a Messi goal, to temporarily halt their losing streak, they have now gone nearly a month without a win in MLS play.

After this match, Nashville SC have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters' Shield standings to 10 points. Inter Miami remain second in the East, but as the reigning MLS Cup champions, they must be wary of the chasing pack to secure a top-four finish and home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Adding to Inter Miami's woes, Messi and defender Ian Fray were fined undisclosed amounts by the MLS on Friday for striking an opponent's head and neck area during the previous match against Philadelphia Union.

On the other hand, Toronto FC have recently turned a corner, now on a four-game unbeaten run and back in the playoff race.

"I'm not going to sit here and pretend everything is perfect," Sargent said in an interview with the media. The forward, who joined in the winter transfer window for a fee of $22 million, scored only his fourth goal for Toronto on Saturday. "We still have a long way to go, but the team showed a fighting spirit. We beat Charlotte a few days ago and then New England, so this win means a lot. Hopefully, we can keep this momentum going."