Miami, Aug 23 (V7N)- Lionel Messi scored late, but Inter Miami's poor run in Major League Soccer continued as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Toronto FC on Sunday.
The result extended Miami's winless streak to five consecutive matches, with the team losing four of those games.
Inter Miami faced Toronto FC at the New Stadium in Miami in a special ‘UNICEF Night’ fixture.
German Berterame returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injury, but his return could not provide enough attacking spark for the hosts.
The match was physical from the opening minutes, with both teams committing several fouls. Toronto created some early pressure, while Miami had the clearest opportunity of the first half.
Luis Suarez found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat but remarkably sent his effort wide of the post. Neither side could break the deadlock before halftime.
Miami came out aggressively after the interval. Berterame came close with a shot that narrowly missed the target, but Toronto gradually took control of the match.
Toronto opened the scoring after Miami's defense failed to clear the ball. Josh Sargent collected the loose ball and fired a precise left-footed shot into the net to make it 1-0.
The visitors quickly doubled their advantage. Derrick Etienne Jr. finished another attacking move to put Toronto 2-0 ahead.
Miami struggled to create clear chances and had managed just one shot on target before the 80th minute.
Messi then gave the home crowd hope. The Argentine forward received a superb through ball from Rodrigo De Paul and produced a composed left-footed finish to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The goal sparked a late surge from Inter Miami. The hosts attacked relentlessly during eight minutes of added time, but Toronto held firm to secure the victory.
With the defeat, Miami have now gone five MLS matches without a win and have conceded an average of 2.4 goals per game during the run.
Inter Miami will look to return to winning ways when they face CF Montreal on August 29.
END/SMA/AJ
