Mihailovic goal sends Toronto FC to its seventh straight draw, 1-1 with Miami

By Canadian Press on September 27, 2025.

TORONTO — Djordje Mihailovic’s second-half goal lifted Toronto FC to its seventh straight draw, a 1-1 tie with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in MLS play Saturday.

Messi, coming as advertised, served as playmaker on Miami’s goal and could have had a bushel of his own, had it not been for Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Argentine winger Tadeo Allende scored in first-half stoppage time for Miami, which had pumped in 10 goals in its three previous wins. But Mihailovic pulled Toronto event in the 60th minute

After Miami failed to clear its penalty box, Richie Laryea got to a Jonathan Osorio pass before it went out and sent the ball back across the goal for an unmarked Mihailovic to tap in for his 10th of the season.

The visitors went ahead in first-half stoppage time, with Messi finding Jordi Alba through traffic. Alba’s perfect cross, just over the head of defender Kosi Thompson, was headed home by Allende.

It was goal No. 9 for Allende and assists No. 11 and No. 14 for Alba and Messi, respectively, on the season.

Miami (16-6-8) started all its big guns with Messi, Alba, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, who are making a combined US$36.7 million this season according to the MLS Players Association.

Toronto (5-13-13) was coming off six consecutive draws — at Philadelphia, Atlanta, New England and Columbus and home to Columbus and Montreal. It had conceded just five goals during that run.

Depending on how you look at it, TFC is unbeaten in six games (0-0-7) or winless in nine (0-2-7).

TFC has not lost since July 26, a 2-0 setback at Charlotte FC. But it hasn’t won since July 16, a 1-0 decision at San Diego FC.

Saturday’s game drew an announced crowd of 28,855 for the first sellout of the season for TFC, which went into the game ranked 14th in the league with an average attendance of 20,875.

Messi’s star power was in display in the stands on a pleasant 23 C afternoon at BMO Field.

The were plenty of pink Miami No. 10 shirts, as well as blue-and-white Argentina and blue-and-garnet FC Barcelona jerseys. The visitors were greeted by cheers when they came out for the pre-game warmup.

Messi waved to the crowd in-between drills, drawing more applause. Once the game started, it took a little more than five minutes for the first “Messi, Messi” chant.

Johnson made a tremendous save to deny Messi’s right-footed shot in the 29th minute off a feed from Busquets. And he denied the Miami star again in the 44th after an errant clearance by Sigurd Rosted. There were two more stellar saves in the second half, including a Messi free kick from the edge of the penalty box.

Toronto came into the game nine places and 28 points below Miami in the East.

Every Messi touch drew a response from the crowd. Hardly moving when away from the ball, the 38-year-old Argentine can hit high gear quickly when in possession and he boasts the vision and ability to deliver a precision pass.

Messi had scored five goals and added three assists in Miami’s three previous wins. Miami moved into third place in the Eastern Conference and clinched a playoff spot with its 4-0 mid-week win at New York City FC.

Looking to retain the Supporters’ Shield (for best regular-season record) it won last year, Miami arrived north of the border five points below league-leading Philadelphia with two games in hand.

Miami also arrived with the league’s most potent offence with 64 goals, 24 more than Toronto. But it stood 20th on defence (with Toronto tied for sixth).

Both teams had five shots in the first half but Miami had a 4-1 edge in shots in target.

Toronto appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty in the 19th minute when Jose Cifuentes went down in the penalty box. Canadian referee Pierre-Luc Lauzière waved play on, with replays backing his decision.

Alonso Coello’s low shot forced a diving one-handed save from Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari in the 35th.

Messi went into weekend play leading the Golden Boot race with 24 goals, ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (22 goals) and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge (21).

Messi had scored two or more goals in eight of his last 12 league appearances. And with his first-half assist against NYCFC, he became the first player in league history to record at least 35 goal contributions in consecutive seasons.

Toronto made just one change to its starting lineup with Johnson returning in goal after backup Luka Gavran’s two recent starts.

TFC was without defenders Kevin Long, Henry Wingo, Zane Monlouis and Nicksoen Gomis. Forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, listed as questionable with a groin strain, started on the bench after undergoing a pre-game fitness test.

Saturday’s game was the penultimate home outing for TFC, which visits Chicago and Los Angeles FC before closing out the season against Orlando City on Oct. 18.

Toronto came into the game with a 2-8-1 regular-season record against Miami, with its last home victory over the Herons in March 2023. The teams drew 1-1 in Florida on April 6.

—

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2025

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press