Toronto FC 0-1 Inter Miami: summary, score, goals, highlights MLS
Toronto FC - Inter Miami: As it happened
Late Campana strike keeps the record hunt alive for Inter Miami.
Tata Martino made several changes for the team that took on Toronto and the new-look team put in a disjointed performance, struggling to take control of the game on an admittedly poor pitch. Toronto FC needed a win to keep themselves in pole position for the playoff places but they too suffered from a lack of creativity in the final third.
Having been rested from the start, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez came off the bench in the second half in a bid to win the game but it was Leonardo Campana who proved the difference at BMO Field.
In second half stoppage time the big Ecuadorian brought down a cross in the box and acrobatically fired home past Sean Johnson.
The Herons can break the single-season MLS points record with a win over the New England Revolution in their final game of the regular season. Toronto's playoffs dreams may be over, but Inter Miami's record chase rolls on.
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Full time: Toronto FC 0-1 Inter Miami
Mixed emotions at the final whistle. Toronto FC know that their playoff dreams are now hanging by a thread with no more regular season games to play
Different feelings for Inter Miami, who now just need a win in their final MLS fixture to break the single-season points record.
Toronto really need to push now, they need a goal or they stand very little chance of making the playoffs.
The Campana goal has deflated the home crowd.
Campana goal keeps the record chase alive!
Brilliant work from Luis Suarez in the build-up for that goal, drifting out to the left flank and sending in an inch-perfect volleyed cross. Campana did the rest, showing his class to register his eighth MLS goal of the season.
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GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Leonardo Campana
Inter Miami's record scorer does brilliantly to bring down a cross and fire acrobatically past Sean Johnson from 12 yards. The Herons are ahead!
We're going to have five minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
As the 90th minute approaches, both teams are really started to push now.
A draw probably ends Toronto's payoff hopes, and also puts the MLS points record out of reach for Inter Miami. Can either team find a breakthough?
Lionel Messi picks up the ball on the halfway line and surges forward. He's crowded out and looks to have lost possession, but manages to emerge with the ball in the Toronto box.
At a tight angle, he tries to square the ball to Luis Suarez but his old friend can't meet the pass.
And another one. This time it's an adult who charges onto the field for a 'GOAT selfie'. As it's a grown man, this intruder is less well-received and he's swiftly escorted off the field.
The game is halted as a Barcelona-shirted child runs on the field to take a photo with Lionel Messi.
Neither team can get a grip of the game as we head into the final five minutes of normal time. A real lack of quality in the final third, from both Toronto FC and Inter Miami.
Lorenzo Insigne trots over to take a corner kick but plays it short to Rosted. He takes aim but the shot is blocked and Miami clear.
Final change for Toronto sees Lorenzo Insigne come on for Etienne Jr.
Can the Italian conjure a winner up for his team?
Sigurd Rosted
The Toronto defender is booked for that challenge. Messi's back on his feet and looks to be fine.
Heavy challenge from Sigurd Rosted on Lionel Messi in the midfield. Referee's quick to blow for the foul, Messi's down holding his ankle.
Toronto are starting to find ways through the Inter Miami midfield now.
You get the sense that a draw is no good for either team, really. We could be in for a big finale at BMO Field...
Big chance for Owusu!
Sharp move from Toronto sets Prince Owusu sprinting into the Miami box. He takes aim on his left back but Noah Allen flies in with a last-ditch block, clearing the danger.
Great defending from the Miami youngster.
Another Miami double change. Matias Rojas and Benja Cremaschi are off, Luis Suarez and Yannick Bright are on.
Clever pass from Messi sets Campana running in behind. There's no angle for a shot so he passes the ball out to Gressel, whose right-footed shot is intercepted by Sean Johnson.
First injection of quality from Lionel Messi, spinning away in the midfield and gliding past a challenge with a shuffle. The move comes to nothing, but Miami already look more dangerous.
The BMO Field pitch is really cutting up now and is definitely having a bearing on this game. It's harming the hosts, who are unable to build through the midfield on this surface.
Matty Longstaff picks up the ball in the midfield and tries his luck from long, long range. It's about 35 yards out and doesn't threaten the goal, striking Prince Owusu on the way out for a goal kick.
Nickseon Gomis and Shane O'Neill are coming off. Henry Wingo and Raoul Petretta come on for the Toronto.
It looks like Inter Miami will be sticking with the 4-3-3 formation. Busquets will slot into midfield, Messi will play to the right of Campana in the frontline.
Double change for Inter Miami. Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi come on, David Ruiz and Robert Taylor are replaced.
Finally, a bit of quality from Inter Miami who cut through Toronto with a series of slick passes. Rojas rolls the ball through to Campana on the edge of the box but the Ecuadorian takes a poor touch and looses possession.
Frustrating for the big striker, who has not really done it today in a rare MLS start.
A surge of excitement around BMO Field as Lionel Messi is readied on the touchline. He'll be coming on very shortly.
Prince Owusu fires over from 20 yards.
Sharp pass from Longstaff to fire the ball into Owusu's feet. He spins and takes aim but looses his footing, sending the ball flying over the crossbar.
Inter Miami are starting to play with a bit more authority in the midfield but they're still lacking any creativity in the final third. Taylor, Rojas and Gressel have all been very quiet in those attacking areas.
Matty Longstaff
The Toronto midfielder is booked for dragging back David Ruiz, halting a decent Inter Miami counter-attack.
It is Rojas who takes the free kick but it's a really poor effort, curling the ball harmlessly into the stands behind the goal. That's a waste for Inter Miami.
It looks like Matias Rojas will take this one, with Messi still off the field...
Leo Campana goes down on the edge of the box, clipped by Sigurd Rosted.
Free kick to Inter Miami 25 yards from goal. Good shooting opportunity for someone.
Better from Inter Miami as David Ruiz slides a pass out to Rojas on the left. He tries to beat O'Neill on the flank but the defender makes a perfectly-timed slide tackle and win the ball back.
Robert Taylor has a the chance to run at his man for once but he cuts back inside. Inter Miami have been lacking a bit of killer instinct today, there's no incision from the Herons.
Huge cheers around BMO Field as Lionel Messi emerges from the substitutes bench to begin his warm-up.
We may be seeing him before too long...
Another quick start from Toronto. Richie Laryea cuts inside from the right and fires a shot at goal, easily saved by Ustari.
One change at the break. Prince Owusu comes on for Toronto, replacing Deandre Kerr.
We're back.
Inter Miami get the second half underway at BMO Field.
The players are out!
Well, the Toronto FC players are at least. The hosts are back on the field for the second half.
We're goalless at the break at BMO Field, neither team managing to force a breakthrough in Toronto FC's final game of the regular season. The Herons have one more left after today, and the chance to make history...
Good work from Oscar Ustari in Herons debut.
There was much of any quality from Inter Miami in the first half but we did see a very sharp double save from Oscar Ustari, the back-up goalkeeper making his first appearance for the club. The 38-year-old was brought in to replace the injured CJ dos Santos as No. 2 and has looked the part so far at BMO Field.
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Half time: Toronto FC 0-0 Inter Miami.
We're going to have no stoppage time at the end of the first half. Not much to report on, in all honestly.
Level at the break.
The initial delivery is headed clear but Sigurd Rosted recovers it at the back post. The defender does brilliantly to make some space for a cross and curls in a dangerous ball, but there's no one in there to convert.
It's Osorio who takes it. He effort clips the defensive wall and spins behind for a Toronto corner kick.
Can the hosts force an opener before the break?
The free kick is left-of-centre, making it a good angle for the right-footer.
It looks like Etienne Jr, Jonathan Osorio and Nickseon Gomis are standing over it.
Brace play from Toronto to pass their way out of an Inter Miami press and they're on their way up-field. They work it to Etienne Jr on the left, who skips inside and draws a clumsy foul from Tomas Aviles.
Free kick Toronto in a good shooting position.
Toronto miss glorious chance!
So close for the hosts. Etienne Jr runs in behind and forces a good stop from Ustari. The ball bounces free in the box and Kobe Franklin fires it at goal, only to see Ustari flying across his goal line to tip it over the crossbar.
After the play, the assistant's flag is up for an offside. But Toronto were very wasteful there.
Suddenly Toronto show a bit of quality as they break forward with the ball. Fraklin lays the ball off for Layrea, who cuts inside from the right and fires at goal.
His effort is saved by Ustari.
Scrappy period of play in the midfield as both Miami and Toronto loose possession in quick succession.
This time the corner is better but Miami still manage to head it clear. Coello wins the ball back and tries to slide a pass through to Etienne Jr but it's overhit and bounces out for a goal kick.
It's Matty Longstaff who curls the corner kick in. The first ball is rebuffed but Toronto win it back and force another corner.
Dogged work from Richie Laryea, chasing down a loose ball near the corner flag and winning his team a corner kick. The home crowd appreciate that.
The game is stopped to allow Deandre Kerr to get some treatment. The Toronto forward landed heavily after competing with Aviles in the air.
He'll be fine to continue.
Good work from Campana to drop into the midfield and link the play for Miami, who are still struggling to get up-field.
Leonardo Campana connects well with the cross but his header is easily saved by Sean Johnson.
Hopeful ball forward from Miami toward Campana is nodded out for a corner by O'Neill. Rojas goes across to take.
This promising start from Toronto has been rewarded with an increase of volume from the singing stand behind the Inter Miami goal. They would dearly love to see their team book a playoff spot this weekend.
Etienne Jr does brilliant to skip past Tomas Aviles on the left and into the box. The Miami defender is beaten all ends up but Miami manage to clear the ball for a corner kick.
The corner is a decent one but it's claimed by Ustari.
Poor touch from Noah Allen on the left flank, letting the ball roll away from his foot and out for a throw-in. Inter Miami look a bit flat.
Halfway through the first half, there's been precious little quality from Inter Miami so far. We've seen a few nice touches from Matias Rojas and Benja Cremaschi in the middle, but that's about it.
Leonardo Campana is hauled to the ground by Sigurd Rosted after winning a header on the halfway line. The Miami forward wants a free kick but the referee says no.
Nervous moment for Oscar Ustari as the back-up keeper miscontrols a backpass and has to make a slightly hurried clearance off his own goal line.
Longstaff clips a ball over the top for Kerr, who looks to be in on goal. With a second the assistant's flag is up and the offside is called.
More good stuff from Toronto, though.
Another good break from Toronto FC, this time courtesy of Shane O'Neill.
The right-sided defender is being given real license to get forward in the opening stages, pushing Franco Negri back for the Herons.
A foul is called in the Miami box as the corner kick is swung into the middle. Inter Miami release the pressure.
Alonso Coello skips past Cremaschi with a neat touch in the midfield and gets his team on the offensive. He slides a pass through to Deandre Kerr, who wins Toronto a corner kick.
In fairness to Inter Miami, central areas of the pitch look very uneven and there are large brown patches in the midfield. It's heavy going for the Miami midfielders.
With ten minutes on the clock, Toronto will be happy with how things have begun. The Herons are struggling to get their usual passing game going, looking a little ponderous in possession.
Brilliant pass from Benja Cremaschi finds Robert Taylor in space on the left, streaking forward. The wideman makes it all the way to the Toronto box but can't make space for a cross.
That's a warning for the hosts.
Loose ball drops to Matty Longstaff on the edge of the Miami box and the former Newcastle man lets fly. He doesn't catch it cleanly and Ustari gets down to save easily.
Clever idea from Matty Longstaff, looking for Layrea running in behind the Miami backline. The pass is a little overhit but he caught the defence off-guard.
Inter Miami try to play the ball up to Campana but he's quickly crowded out by Toronto midfielders, losing the ball.
It's been a high-energy start from the hosts.
Strong running from Osorio to bring the ball forward and slide a pass through to Laryea on the right. Laryea tries to beat Allen on the flank but his touch is too heavy.
Goal kick Inter Miami.
Tackles flying in from the start as Toronto look to disrupt Inter Miami's rhythm on the ball. Plenty of work needed from the front three of Etienne - Kerr - Osorio today.
Positive start for the hosts and an early chance as the ball is flashed across the Miami box by Laryea. That'll give them confidence.
And we're off!
We're underway at BMO Field.
The players are out!
The teams emerge on a bright Saturday afternoon at BMO Field. It's not been a good season for Toronto FC, but a win over a much-changed Inter Miami today will keep them firmly in playoff contention.
Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernadeschi have underwhelmed this season. / Valeria Veyna / Diario AS
Can Toronto FC still reach the postseason?
Toronto FC have their final game of the regular season today and they are currently in the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With no Decision Day fixture coming up, John Herdman's side need at least a point to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Can Inter Miami continue record-setting pace?
After a long regular season campaign the Herons are now just two games from history. They need to win both of their remaining games to beat the single-season record of 73 points, set by the New England Revolution in 2021.
They're currently on 68 points.
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Toronto soccer fans welcome Messi and Miami.
Wherever he goes - except, maybe, New York - Lionel Messi gets a hero's welcome. He'll start on the bench at BMO Field but we're expected him to feature at some point.
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Final preparations at BMO Field.
The hosts are going through their paces on the turf ahead of tonight's game. Inter Miami may have wrapped up the Supporters' Shield but Toronto are still battling it out for a playoff spot.
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Inter Miami have officially been crowned Supporters' Shield champions, but will that be enough to qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup. As the tournament hosts, the United States has been given one extra qualification spot but it's not yet clear how the recipient of that place will be decided. Here's what we know so far...
'Atomic Ant' returns to Toronto FC.
Italian star Sebastian Giovinco enjoyed huge success during his time at Toronto, winning the MLS Cup in 2017 and also winning the league's MVP and Golden Boot awards. Now, he returns as part of the team's front office.
Can the current squad provide a welcome back gift for Giovinco today?
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Will Lionel Messi play against Toronto FC?
“For him and the rest of the players who have been playing, the past two were very tough games against Charlotte and Columbus, so we have to take the accumulation of minutes into account."
“For Leo, we understand that accumulating minutes has been good to get him back in rhythm."
Last time out: Toronto FC.
The midweek fixtures were not so successful for Toronto FC, who saw their playoff hopes dented by a chastening home defeat against the New York Red Bulls.
Federico Bernadeschi was sent off on Wednesday night, meaning that he is not eligible to play against Inter Miami today.
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Last time out: Inter Miami.
The Herons come into today's game off the back of a glorious 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew, clinching the Supporters' Shield at the home of the MLS Cup holders. Lionel Messi scored a brace for the Herons, the second goal of which was this stunning 25 yard free kick.
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Drake Callender is among the first team regulars to drop to the bench for today's game, giving Oscar Ustari a start in goal. The veteran Argentine was brought in recently to replace the injured CJ dos Santos as the back-up keeper, reuniting him with former teammate Lionel Messi.
Toronto FC team news.
And here's a look at the Toronto FC team sheet today. Lorenzo Insigne is benched after a string of underwhelming performances, while Federico Bernadeschi is suspended after a brainless dismissal in the midweek defeat.
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Inter Miami team news.
The lineups are in and there's big news for the Herons. There's no Lionel Messi in the starting XI, and Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also drop to the bench.
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Fans gather to see Inter Miami arrive at Toronto FC.
Inter Miami are in town. Wherever the Herons have gone in the last 18 months they have drawn a crowd and Toronto is no different, with huge numbers of supporters fathering to greet the Supporters' Shield winners at BMO Field.
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Lionel Messi's fitness has been a main talking point this season for the Herons. A combination of injury and international call-ups has ensured that he's only featured in around half of the team's MLS games this season. Will Tata Martino be tempted to rest Messi against Toronto FC?
Here's what we know so far...
Inter Miami stars bag international call-ups.
The Herons have put themselves in a strong position by securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They are set up to go very deep in the playoffs but they will have to contend with a series of international call-ups this month.
Fortunately, the international fixtures don't clash with any post-season matches but it does increase the chances of an unwanted injury at a crucial time
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Inter Miami booked their place in the postseason many weeks ago but not everyone is so fortunate. There's still a group of teams scrapping it out for the final spots in the playoffs, some of which could be snapped up today.
Toronto FC - Inter Miami: Head to head.
Here's a closer look at the numbers behind today's matchup. This is how the two teams have fared in previous meetings, although the 2024 Inter Miami side is a cut above anything that BMO Field has seen in the past.
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He may have missed half the season, but don't rule out Lionel Messi in the race for the MLS Golden Boot. He and teammate Luis Suarez would need to go on late-season scoring spree to overtake current goals leader Christian Benteke.
He couldn't, could he?
Lionel Messi continues push for MVP award.
With the brace against Columbus Crew, Lionel Messi took his MLS tally to 17 goals for the season. Incredibly, he has only made 17 league appearances for the Herons and is currently running at 1.07 goals per 90 minutes.
The Argentine has also managed 15 assists, those coming at a rate of 0.95 per 90 mins. In the 2024 regular season Messi has either scored or assisted more than two goals per 90 minutes played.
Incredible.
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Who is playing today in MLS?
The first game of the MLS weekend sees Toronto FC host Inter Miami at BMO Field. However, that's far from the only action taking place...
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Inter Miami have already wrapped up the Supporters' Shield but Tata Martino will be hoping to build momentum ahead of the postseason campaign. The MLS Cup is the big prize on offer, a chance for the Herons to capture the championship for the first time.
Inter Miami continue record pursuit.
The Herons need to win their final two games of the MLS regular season to clinch the single-season points record, currently held by the New England Revolution (73 points). They need a win today at BMO Field to keep their pursuit alive.
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Toronto FC - Inter Miami: Live updates
Hello and welcome to AS USA! We'll be bringing you full coverage of the Heron's trip to Toronto as they continue their pursuit of the MLS regular season points record.
Away we go!