# Toronto FC upsets Inter Miami 2-1

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/inter-miami-cf-vs-toronto-fc-mls-match
> Updated: 2026-08-21T17:08:33.000Z. Sources: 66. Developments: 2.

Toronto FC secured a 2-1 upset victory against Inter Miami at Nu Stadium during their Major League Soccer fixture. Despite a goal from Lionel Messi—his first since the passing of his father—the Canadian side capitalized on defensive vulnerabilities to claim the win.

Toronto FC achieved the result through a rapid three-minute scoring sequence in the second half, with Josh Sargent scoring in the 59th minute and Derrick Etienne Jr. following in the 62nd minute. Messi later scored in the 82nd minute after a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, but Inter Miami was unable to equalize. This goal marked Messi’s 140th goal contribution since joining the club and brought his season total to 14 goals.

The victory marks Toronto FC’s first-ever road win against Inter Miami. While the result provides a significant boost for Toronto, helping to bolster their playoff aspirations, the loss extends Inter Miami’s winless streak to five matches across all competitions, including the Leagues Cup. The slump has highlighted ongoing defensive struggles, with the team conceding 13 goals during this five-match period.

Following the match, Inter Miami remains second in the Eastern Conference with 39 points, while Toronto FC sits in tenth place with 24 points. The club faces increasing pressure to stabilize its results to maintain its position in the playoff race.

## Claims

- Toronto FC defeated Inter Miami 2-1. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Josh Sargent scored the opening goal for Toronto FC. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Derrick Etienne Jr. scored the second goal for Toronto FC. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Lionel Messi scored a goal for Inter Miami in the 82nd minute. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Inter Miami has gone five consecutive matches without a win across all competitions. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Inter Miami remains in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos took responsibility for the team's recent poor form. (single source)
- Lionel Messi scored his 14th goal of the season. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Toronto FC defeats Inter Miami 2-1 despite Messi goal

Toronto FC defeated Inter Miami 2-1 in the MLS, despite a late goal from Lionel Messi. The loss extends Miami's winless streak to five matches across all competitions.

65 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/inter-miami-seeks-to-end-winless-streak-against-toronto-fc

### 2026-08-18: Inter Miami CF to host Toronto FC in MLS match and UNICEF foundation night

Inter Miami CF hosts Toronto FC on August 22, featuring a partnership with UNICEF to support educational access for children in Latin America and the Caribbean.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/inter-miami-cf-to-host-toronto-fc-in-mls-match-and-unicef-foundation-night

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Cite as: Toronto FC upsets Inter Miami 2-1. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/inter-miami-cf-vs-toronto-fc-mls-match