Lionel Messi continued his remarkable form in Major League Soccer, scoring in Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Sunday night.
The Argentine’s strike, a left-footed volley deep into first-half stoppage time, marked his 40th goal in all competitions since joining Inter Miami and extended his franchise record for goal contributions to 44.
The goal also lifted Messi’s career tally to 856 across club and country.
Toronto had taken the lead through Federico Bernardeschi just three minutes before Messi equalized.
Earlier in the match, Messi had a goal ruled out due to a foul in the buildup.
The result leaves Inter Miami (4-0-2) second in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Columbus Crew but with a game in hand.
Messi has now registered at least one goal or assist in each of the four MLS matches he’s played this season.
Inter Miami remains unbeaten in league play and holds an overall 8-1-2 record this season, factoring in victories from the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Their only loss came last week in a 1-0 defeat to LAFC in the first leg of that competition’s quarterfinal.
The return leg is set for Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale.
While Toronto host Minnesota next, Inter Miami visits the Chicago Fire next Sunday.
