After his first goal was disallowed due to a foul, Lionel Messi equalized for Inter Miami in the 45+6 minute, just before halftime of their Matchday 7 game against Toronto FC in the 2025 MLS season. The visitors had taken the lead through a goal by Federico Bernardeschi at Chase Stadium.
The Miami superstar scored from the edge of the box after receiving a great assist from Telasco Segovia. It was his third goal in MLS this season and his 24th in the competition overall.
With that goal, Messi officially surpassed Gonzalo Higuain as the player with the most goal contributions in club history, now totaling 24 goals and 20 assists. He reached the milestone in just 28 matches, far fewer than the 67 it took Higuaín to register 42 goal contributions.
After Inter Miami’s midweek loss to LAFC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, Javier Mascherano’s team is looking to bounce back and take the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Although Messi missed several matches while recovering from muscle fatigue, the 37-year-old remains one of Miami’s most effective players. Including his three goals in the Concacaf Champions Cup, he now has six goals and two assists in just six appearances this season.
Messi’s minutes this season
If Messi plays the full 90 minutes against Toronto, it will mark just his fifth complete match of the season. While the Argentine forward remains as lethal as ever, Mascherano has been careful not to overwork him in order to avoid injuries.
Last season, Messi, who was named MVP after leading Miami to the Supporters’ Shield, missed nearly half the matches due to international duty and injuries. Managing his minutes this year seems like a logical step.
