Sat Sep 27 21:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Messi Held Scoreless as Inter Miami Draws with Toronto FC, Supporters’ Shield Hopes Dented
**TORONTO, ON -** Inter Miami’s quest for back-to-back Supporters’ Shields hit a snag on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Toronto FC at BMO Field. While Miami had already clinched a playoff spot, the result puts their chances of overtaking the Philadelphia Union for the Supporters’ Shield in jeopardy, leaving their fate no longer solely in their hands with just four games remaining.
Tadeo Allende gave Miami the lead in first-half stoppage time, heading home a cross from Jordi Alba. However, Toronto FC responded in the 60th minute with Djordje Mihailovic scoring his first goal for the club, leveling the score.
Despite dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities, including six shots from Lionel Messi, Inter Miami was unable to find the winning goal. Toronto FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson put in a stellar performance, denying Messi on multiple occasions, including a free kick from the edge of the box.
“I think we deserved to win,” Miami head coach Javier Mascherano stated after the match. “Their goalkeeper was the man of the match.”
The draw extends Toronto FC’s winless streak to nine games, though it marks their seventh consecutive draw. Despite their struggles, the Canadian club has shown defensive resilience, conceding just six goals during their draw streak.
The game also saw veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets substituted in the 71st minute. Mascherano explained that Busquets was showing signs of fatigue and the substitution was made to manage his minutes ahead of the team’s upcoming match in three days. Busquets announced this week that he plans to retire at the end of this season.
The match drew a sold-out crowd of 28,855, marking Toronto FC’s first sellout of the season.
Inter Miami will look to bounce back in their remaining four games to secure the highest possible position in the standings.
First Piper 