Lionel Messi Breaks MLS Record as Inter Miami Defeat Toronto FC 4-2 at BMO Field

Lionel Messi etched his name further into Major League Soccer history on Saturday evening, reaching 100 career goal contributions faster than any player in the league’s history as Inter Miami defeated Toronto FC 4-2 at BMO Field.

The Argentine contributed a goal and two assists in the victory, bringing his overall MLS tally to 59 goals and 41 assists since joining the club in 2023. The milestone was confirmed by Major League Soccer’s official account following the final whistle.

Messi surpassed the previous benchmark set by Toronto FC icon Sebastian Giovinco, who reached 100 contributions — comprising 58 goals and 42 assists — across 95 MLS appearances. The 37-year-old eclipsed that mark in just 64 games, achieving the feat 31 games sooner than Giovinco managed it.

The result reinforced Inter Miami’s status as the league’s dominant force. As defending MLS Cup champions, the Herons have continued to demonstrate significant attacking output in the current campaign, with Messi once again central to their build-up play and final-third efficiency.

For Toronto FC, the defeat extended a difficult run of form. Saturday’s loss stretched their winless streak to seven matches across all competitions, compounding an already challenging period for the Canadian club. TFC have now conceded goals in each of those seven fixtures, raising questions about their defensive structure and ability to recover their form as the season progresses.

Messi’s arrival in MLS ahead of the 2023 season generated unprecedented commercial and sporting interest in the league. His impact on the pitch has been immediate and consistent, with his contributions-per-game rate setting a standard that no player in league history has matched. Giovinco, who played for Toronto FC between 2015 and 2019, was previously regarded as one of the most prolific all-around attackers in MLS history, making the scale of Messi’s achievement particularly significant.

With Inter Miami continuing to compete across multiple fronts, Messi’s milestone is unlikely to be his last of the season. The Herons’ next fixtures will provide further opportunities for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to extend his record-breaking tally in North America.