This was the 10th match since the beginning of June that star player Messi was absent and unable to play for Inter Miami. However, the team at Chase Stadium, with the brilliance of Jordi Alba, Busquets, and Suarez, continued their progress in the MLS (leading the table) and the Leagues Cup (reaching the round of 16).
Messi and his wife watched the game, initially quite relaxed when Inter Miami took an early 2-0 lead. But then they became worried when their team played with ten men.
Messi and the Inter Miami management team met with officials from the state of Florida (USA).
In the League Cup Round of 32 match against Toronto FC on August 9th, defender Jordi Alba stepped into Messi's shoes, setting a record by contributing 4 assists, helping his teammates Matias Rojas (2 goals), Diego Gomez, and Luis Suarez score, securing a victory and advancing to the Round of 16.
Inter Miami's victory seemed easy, with an early 2-0 lead (Rojas and Diego Gomez scored in the 3rd and 11th minutes respectively). Outside the stadium, Messi, who was watching with his family, appeared relaxed.
However, Toronto FC, with veteran Italian striker Lorenzo Insigne, did not let their opponents win easily. In the 15th minute, Insigne reduced the deficit to 1-2 from the penalty spot. Inter Miami extended their lead to 3-1 in the 20th minute thanks to a spectacular goal from veteran striker Suarez. All three of Inter Miami's goals so far in the match have been assisted by Jordi Alba.
Jordi Alba shines in Messi's absence.
However, defender David Martinez's disastrous red card in the 27th minute for a foul that could have led to a Toronto FC goal left Inter Miami playing with only 10 men. This situation caused concern for Messi and Inter Miami fans.
Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, Toronto FC exerted intense pressure and managed to pull one back in the 42nd minute, also from a penalty kick, after several missed opportunities. The goal was also scored by striker Insigne in the 41st minute.
In the second half, coach Tata Martino had to make several changes to reinforce Inter Miami's lineup, especially in defense and midfield. Fortunately for David Beckham's team, in the 59th minute midfielder Rojas scored the second goal of the match, making it 4-2 with a powerful shot from outside the box, once again assisted by Jordi Alba, thus extending the lead to a comfortable 4-2 victory.
Inter Miami won a dramatic match to advance to the Round of 16 of the League Cup, awaiting Messi's return.
This goal helped Inter Miami hold on, although they also had to endure a nail-biting final moment when Toronto FC once again narrowed the score to 3-4 due to an own goal by Noah Allen in the 78th minute.
Watching the match from the stands, Messi's anxiety was evident. But the efforts of his teammates helped Inter Miami successfully defend their 4-3 lead and advance to the round of 16 of the League Cup.
In the Round of 16 of the League Cup, Inter Miami will face the winner of the match between Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City, both from the USA. This match takes place in mid-August, with a high probability that Messi will officially return to play.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-nin-tho-xem-inter-miami-danh-bai-toronto-fc-voi-con-mua-ban-thang-185240809093050808.htm
