Lionel Messi pulled the strings in a commanding performance on Saturday, accounting for a goal and a brace of assists as Inter Miami romped to a 2-4 win over Toronto FC in the MLS curtain-raiser.

The Herons shook off their recent patchy home form at the new NU Stadium to claim a routine victory on Canadian soil. Uruguayan veteran Luis Suarez, Argentine engine Rodrigo De Paul, and Spanish wing-back Sergio Reguilon all found the net alongside Messi.

While the final scoreline suggested a stroll, Inter Miami were forced to wait 44 minutes to find an opening. De Paul eventually provided the spark; the former Atletico Madrid star saw his initial free-kick repelled by the wall, only to instinctively smash the rebound into the far corner with a venomous right-footed volley.

Post-interval drama ensued in the 56th minute when Luis Suarez doubled the advantage following a Lionel Messi delivery. The goal sparked protests as Toronto's Raheem Edwards lay stricken near the corner flag, but his presence played the visitors onside. Messi and Suarez ruthlessly capitalised on the man advantage, with the Argentine unselfishly squaring for 'El Pistolero' to apply the simplest of finishes.

A devastating two-minute burst between the 73rd and 75th minutes put the result beyond doubt. Reguilon clinicaly dispatched another Messi set-up, drilling a low strike home from inside the box, before Messi made it 0-4 himself by ghosting into the area to fire home De Paul's inviting low cross.

With the contest settled, a brief defensive switch-off allowed Toronto to preserve some pride as Colombian attacker Emilio Aristizabal struck a late double. The result leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, trailing Nashville by a single point despite having played two additional fixtures. Toronto, meanwhile, languish in eighth, their winless streak now spanning six games.

E. Aristizábal

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