Inter Miami surged to a 3-1 victory over Toronto FC at Chase Stadium on Wednesday night, reclaiming the top spot in the MLS standings. Despite the absence of star player Lionel Messi, who is sidelined indefinitely with an ankle injury, the team showcased its depth and resilience.
With Messi watching from a suite, fellow Argentine Federico Redondo stole the spotlight, scoring two second-half goals, his first for Inter Miami. Diego Gomez opened the scoring, giving Miami a commanding 3-0 lead by the 60th minute. Toronto’s Derrick Etienne Jr. managed to score in the 79th minute, but it was too late to mount a comeback.
Inter Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, avoided speculating on Messi’s return, stating, “Leo will continue to be evaluated by our medical staff week to week. We will see how he recuperates without taking any type of risk.”
Luis Suarez, fresh from leading Uruguay to third place in the Copa America, came off the bench in the 62nd minute. Goalkeeper Drake Callender marked his 100th game for Inter Miami with two crucial first-half saves, including a spectacular stop against Toronto’s Federico Bernardeschi.
Gomez, playing his final game before heading to France for the Paris Olympics, scored a stunning goal in the 43rd minute. Redondo followed with a header off a Julian Gressel free kick in the 53rd minute and added another goal six minutes later after a seamless team play involving Gressel and Gomez.
Martino praised his players, highlighting Gomez’s versatility and Redondo’s impactful performance. “Fede played better as the game went on. It is very favorable for our right midfielder to score two goals. He has important qualities and our intention is for him to be a holding midfielder but also be involved in the attack.”
The victory put Inter Miami back in first place in the Supporters’ Shield race with 50 points. The team will face the Chicago Fire at home on Saturday, aiming to continue their winning streak.
