Sunday Night Soccer, Inter Miami CF 1–1 Toronto FC

By Alonso Contreras

Inter Miami and Toronto FC shared the spoils in an intense 1–1 draw in Fort Lauderdale, a match that saw chances galore, heroic goalkeeping, and late drama, but ultimately no winner.

The game exploded into life just before halftime. In the 45+2 minute, Federico Bernardeschi opened the scoring for Toronto FC with a powerful left-footed finish from the center of the box, assisted by fellow Italian Lorenzo Insigne. It was a clinical strike, giving Sean Johnson’s side a short-lived lead.

Just minutes later, Lionel Messi responded for Miami in first-half stoppage time (45+5'), leveling the score with a composed left-footed finish from close range, after receiving a clever assist from Telasco Segovia. The goal capped off an end-to-end first half filled with attacking intent from both sides.

Toronto was unlucky not to go ahead earlier, striking the post twice through Theo Corbeanu in a matter of minutes, and seeing several efforts saved or blocked. On the other side, Sean Johnson stood tall for the visitors, making crucial saves from Messi, Suárez, and Jordi Alba throughout the match.

The second half was a tale of missed opportunities. Messi continued to pull the strings, firing narrowly wide and delivering dangerous set pieces. Fafà Picault had a golden chance to win it for Miami in the dying moments, but his shot from the heart of the box sailed over the bar in 90+4', despite a 43% xG probability.

Toronto also had late efforts from Maxime Dominguez and Jonathan Osorio blocked in a frantic finish. VAR was called into action earlier to assess a possible handball in Toronto’s first-half goal build-up, but the officials deemed it accidental, allowing the goal to stand.

Both teams made full use of their benches, injecting pace and energy, but the deadlock held until the final whistle.

Final Score: Inter Miami CF 1 – 1 Toronto FC

Goals:

• TOR: Bernardeschi 45+2’ (Assisted by Insigne)

• MIA: Messi 45+5’ (Assisted by Segovia)

Man of the Match: Federico Bernadeschi - scored a goal and he was the most dangerous player for Inter Miami CF

Next Fixtures:

• Inter Miami CF travel next week to face [opponent]

• Toronto FC return home to host [opponent]

A well-contested clash between two ambitious sides that showed plenty of flair, but left both sets of fans wanting just a bit more.