Matchday 12 Opens With a Statement: Messi Produces Goal + Two Assists as Inter Miami Cruises Past Toronto 4-2

TORONTO — Lionel Messi doesn’t do subtle reminders. He delivers statements.

In the opening match of Matchday 12, Inter Miami put on a masterclass at BMO Field, dismantling Toronto FC 4-2 and sending an early message to the rest of Major League Soccer: the defending champions are operating on another level once again.

Messi was, as expected, at the heart of everything — finishing with one goal and two assists in a performance that once again underlined why he remains the most dangerous player in the league.

How the Game Unfolded

Inter Miami controlled proceedings from the opening whistle and rarely looked in danger of relinquishing that control.

Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a well-taken finish following a slick team move. Luis Suárez made it 2-0 shortly after halftime, with Messi heavily involved in the build-up.

Toronto pulled one back through substitute Emilio Aristizábal in the 82nd minute, but any hope of a comeback was swiftly extinguished.

Sergio Reguilón added a third for Miami in the 73rd minute, assisted by Messi, before the Argentine superstar capped the evening with a clinical finish of his own just two minutes later.

Aristizábal grabbed a second consolation goal for the home side deep in stoppage time, but it changed little. The final scoreline — Inter Miami 4, Toronto FC 2 — told the story of a match that was far more comfortable than the numbers suggested.

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Messi’s Masterclass

The raw numbers (one goal, two assists) only begin to tell the tale.

Messi dictated the rhythm of the game, created high-quality chance after high-quality chance, and looked capable of unlocking the Toronto defense every time he received the ball.

With 10 goal contributions already through just 12 matchdays, the 38-year-old continues to defy age and logic.

More importantly, he continues to elevate everyone around him. Suárez looked sharp and clinical, De Paul brought vision and dynamism in midfield, and the entire attacking unit operated with a frightening level of fluidity.

What This Means for Inter Miami

This was more than just another three points. It was a statement performance on the road against a Toronto side that has traditionally been difficult to break down at home.

With the victory, Inter Miami:

• Moved to the top of the Eastern Conference
• Extended their unbeaten run
• Demonstrated they can dominate matches even when not at their absolute best

The attacking trio of Messi, Suárez, and De Paul is rapidly becoming one of the most potent units in the league.

The recent addition of Sergio Reguilón at left back has also brought balance and quality to the defensive structure.

The Bigger Picture

Matchday 12 is barely underway, but Inter Miami has already set the tone for the weekend.

While many expected them to be contenders again in 2026, the level of control, efficiency, and depth they are showing this season suggests they are not just here to compete — they are here to dominate.

For Toronto, the result exposed familiar issues: defensive fragility and an inability to contain elite attacking talent.

Despite a late rally, they were ultimately outclassed by a Miami side operating at a higher level.

The champions have spoken. The rest of the league now has 48 hours to respond.