"There is only one Leo Messi!": The Argentine maestro sets new MLS record as Inter Miami thrash Toronto

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his fourth goal of the game. (Image credits – Heute; licence details)

Lionel Messi stole the show yet again as Inter Miami beat Toronto FC 4-2 to get back to winning ways after two consecutive winless games against New England and Orlando. Messi helped his team move up to third place in the standings by scoring one goal and providing one assist to secure all three points. Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, and Serge Reguilon all scored goals to secure a decisive victory.

As Messi bagged his 907th career goal, he also hit a century of goal involvements in the MLS in just 75 appearances in the American top division. He has broken former Toronto forward Sebastian Giovinco’s record, who took 95 games to achieve this feat to become the fastest player to reach this milestone. 

“Lionel Messi must be protected," said Inter Miami boss Guillermo Hoyos after the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made history in the MLS. (sic)

“That's an extraordinary record, one that marks a path. I believe we have to protect him even more. He needs more protection. Because there aren't many Leo Messis. There's only one.” (sic) 

He further added, “That class of players [like Messi]; Rodri [De Paul] as well; guys like Suarez; and successful players like that, we have to protect them and take care of them. Why? Because they fill stadiums. The real protagonists in all this are the players. It's as clear as that.” (sic)

Messi's Argentine teammate De Paul bagged the lead for Miami. In the second half, Messi and De Paul teamed up again to set up a brilliant goal for Luis Suarez. Sergio Reguilon cemented a three-goal lead with a sensational finish after getting played on by Messi, who netted the fourth goal to ensure a comfortable victory over their rivals.

Miami could've easily kept the clean sheet, but their defence was cracked open by Emilio Aristizabal, who bagged a late brace after coming on from the bench for Toronto. This victory leaves Miami third in the Eastern Conference, two points behind rivals Nashville SC. 

Hoyos praised his team, saying, “They express themselves in an extraordinary way. And when they express themselves, they open any defence, any game situation. We're talking about people who are cracks.” (sic)

Messi now has reached 907 goals in his career and is set on reaching that 1000 goals milestone, which is also pursued by Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi has already scored 59 goals and bagged 41 assists for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The Argentine is in good shape heading into the World Cup, where he will lead his team for the fifth time.