Lionel Messi Breaks Inter Miami Record, Surpasses Higuain in Draw Against Toronto FC

Miami, April 7, 2025 – Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into Inter Miami’s history books on Sunday night, scoring a stunning goal in a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC and surpassing Gonzalo Higuain as the club’s all-time leader in goal contributions. The Argentine maestro’s latest strike—his third in four Major League Soccer matches—brought his tally to 44 contributions (24 goals and 20 assists) in just 29 regular-season appearances, cementing his transformative impact on the Florida franchise.

The goal, a trademark left-footed volley from the top of the 18-yard box, came five minutes into first-half stoppage time, leveling the score after Toronto’s Federico Bernardeschi had put the visitors ahead in the 42nd minute. Messi’s clinical finish showcased his enduring brilliance, silencing doubters and thrilling fans at DRV PNK Stadium. Earlier in the match, he had a potential goal disallowed due to a foul call, but his persistence paid off, securing a vital point for Inter Miami.

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The draw keeps Inter Miami (4-0-2) in hot pursuit of the Eastern Conference lead, trailing Columbus by just one point with a game in hand. Toronto FC (0-4-3), meanwhile, remains winless, their early lead undone by Messi’s magic. “Sensational Messi shines again for Miami,” one X user posted, while another marveled, “44 contributions in 29 games—Messi’s rewriting the MLS script.”

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE FROM MESSI.

What a strike to pull it level in South Florida. pic.twitter.com/FAbGekqfAI

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 7, 2025

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has elevated the team’s fortunes, blending jaw-dropping skill with clutch performances. Surpassing Higuain, a former teammate and club legend, marks yet another milestone in his storied career. “It’s not just the goals—it’s how he changes the game,” said Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino post-match. “He’s a history-maker.”

Key Points:

1. Historic Milestone: Lionel Messi surpassed Gonzalo Higuain to become Inter Miami’s all-time leader in goal contributions, reaching 44 (24 goals, 20 assists) in 29 regular-season MLS matches.
2. Match Result: Messi’s goal secured a 1-1 draw for Inter Miami against Toronto FC on Sunday night, April 6, 2025, in a Major League Soccer clash.
3. Goal Details: The record-breaking goal was a left-footed volley from the top of the 18-yard box, scored five minutes into first-half stoppage time, tying the game after Toronto’s Federico Bernardeschi scored in the 42nd minute.
4. Earlier Disallowed Goal: Messi had a potential goal earlier in the first half ruled out due to a foul, but he persisted to deliver the equalizer.
5. Team Standings: The draw keeps Inter Miami (4-0-2) one point behind Eastern Conference leader Columbus, with a game in hand, while Toronto FC (0-4-3) remains winless.
6. Fan Reactions: Social media buzzed with praise, with X users highlighting Messi’s brilliance and his game-changing presence in MLS, calling it a “script-rewriting” performance.
7. Messi’s Impact: Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has redefined the team’s trajectory, blending skill and clutch moments to surpass Higuain’s legacy.