Lionel Messi once again found the back of the net for Inter Miami on Sunday, scoring the equalizing goal in the first half of their MLS match against Toronto FC. His impressive left-footed strike brought the score level.
The play developed when Telasco Segovia skillfully navigated through Toronto`s defense in the final moments of the first half`s added time. He then passed the ball to Messi, who was positioned just outside the penalty area. Messi controlled the bouncing ball with a touch, setting himself up for a shot. With a swift turn of his body, Messi powerfully struck the ball with his left foot, sending it precisely into the bottom right corner of the goal.
This goal secured a point for Miami in a 1-1 draw.
Prior to the goal, there was a potential handball by Miami`s Gonzalo Lujan, but the referees did not review the play.
Messi`s goal was a quick response after Miami conceded the opening goal just three minutes earlier. Toronto, who are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, played competitively against Miami in the first half. Federico Bernardeschi scored the first goal for Toronto.
In the first half, Miami took more shots than Toronto (12-8), but Toronto created more dangerous scoring opportunities, with an expected goals value of 1.88 compared to Miami`s 0.49. However, Miami did have chances, including a disallowed goal by Messi about 20 minutes before his actual goal, due to a foul.
This goal was Messi`s third in the current MLS season and his sixth across all competitions.
