Inter Miami CF hosted Toronto FC in a crucial MLS match on September 20, 2023. The home team was looking to climb up the Eastern Conference standings and secure a playoff spot, while the visitors were hoping to avoid finishing at the bottom of the table. The match ended with a convincing 4-0 win for Inter Miami, thanks to a brilliant performance by Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, who scored two goals each.

In this blog post, we will review the highlights of the match, analyze the key players and tactics, and discuss the implications of the result for both teams. We will also provide live updates and scores throughout the match, as well as some interesting facts and statistics. If you are a fan of Inter Miami CF or Toronto FC or just love soccer in general, this blog post is for you!

How did Inter Miami CF vs Toronto FC start?

The match between Inter Miami CF and Toronto FC kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The home team lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Messi, Robert Taylor, and Lorenzo Insigne forming the front three. The midfield consisted of Sergio Busquets, Facundo Faras, and Federico Bernardeschi, while the defense was composed of Alba, Raoul Petretta, Noah Allen, and DeAndre Yedlin. The goalkeeper was Callender.

The away team opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Cremaschi as the lone striker. The attacking midfielders were Osorio, Ibarra, and Kerr, while the defensive midfielders were Martino and Busquets. The back four were Petretta, Allen, Yedlin, and Kerr, and the goalkeeper was Kerr.

The match started with a high tempo, as both teams tried to impose their style of play. Inter Miami CF dominated possession and created several chances with their quick passing and movement. Toronto FC relied on counterattacks and long balls to Cremaschi, who was isolated upfront.

How did Messi score his first goal?

The first goal of the match came in the 17th minute, when Messi opened his account for Inter Miami CF. The Argentine superstar received a pass from Faras on the right wing and cut inside to the edge of the box. He then unleashed a left-footed shot from outside the box that curled into the top left corner of the net, leaving Kerr with no chance. It was a stunning strike that showcased Messi’s skill and accuracy.

The goal gave Inter Miami CF a deserved lead and boosted their confidence. They continued to press Toronto FC and look for more goals. Messi almost doubled his tally in the 23rd minute, when he hit the right post with a right-footed shot from outside the box after a clever one-two with Insigne.

How did Alba score his first goal?

The second goal of the match came in the 32nd minute when Alba scored his first goal for Inter Miami CF. The Spanish left-back made a run into the box and received a pass from Insigne on the left side. He then fired a right-footed shot from the left side of the box that went under Kerr’s legs and into the bottom right corner of the goal. It was a clinical finish that demonstrated Alba’s composure and technique.

The goal increased Inter Miami CF’s lead and demoralized Toronto FC. They struggled to cope with Inter Miami CF’s pace and creativity and failed to create any clear chances. Alba almost scored again in the 38th minute, when he headed a cross from Messi just wide of the left post.

How did Messi score his second goal?

The third goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Messi scored his second goal for Inter Miami CF. The Argentine wizard received a pass from Busquets in midfield and dribbled past two defenders to enter the box. He then chipped Kerr with a sublime left-footed shot from the center of the box that looped over the goalkeeper and into the center of the goal. It was a brilliant goal that illustrated Messi’s vision and finesse.

The goal sealed Inter Miami CF’s victory and delighted their fans. They applauded Messi’s genius and chanted his name. Messi celebrated his goal by hugging Alba, his former teammate at Barcelona.

How did Alba score his second goal?

The fourth and final goal of the match came in the 68th minute when Alba scored his second goal for Inter Miami CF. The Spanish left-back received a pass from Bernardeschi on the left wing and sprinted past Yedlin to reach the byline. He then cut back a low cross to the centre of the box, where Taylor missed the ball but Alba followed up and tapped it in with his right foot from close range. It was a simple goal that reflected Alba’s speed and positioning.

The goal completed Inter Miami CF’s rout and humiliated Toronto FC. They conceded four goals without scoring any and looked helpless and hopeless. Alba celebrated his goal by kissing the Inter Miami CF badge and pointing to the sky.

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How did the match end?

The match ended with a 4-0 win for Inter Miami CF, who dominated the game from start to finish. They had 65% possession, 18 shots, 10 on target, and 4 goals. Toronto FC had 35% possession, 6 shots, 2 on target, and 0 goals. Messi and Alba were the stars of the show, scoring two goals each and linking up superbly. Taylor, Insigne, Busquets, Faras, and Bernardeschi also played well and contributed to Inter Miami CF’s attack. The defence was solid and kept a clean sheet.

The result moved Inter Miami CF up to the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings with 42 points, one point behind sixth-placed New York City FC. They have six games left to play in the regular season and are in a good position to reach the playoffs. Toronto FC remained at the bottom of the table with 19 points, 13 points adrift of the safety zone. They have seven games left to play and are almost certain to be relegated.

What are some interesting facts and statistics about the match?

Here are some interesting facts and statistics about the match between Inter Miami CF and Toronto FC:

• This was Messi’s first MLS match since he joined Inter Miami CF from Barcelona in August 2023. He signed a three-year contract worth $100 million, making him the highest-paid player in MLS history.
• This was Alba’s second MLS match since he joined Inter Miami CF from Barcelona in September 2023. He signed a two-year contract worth $20 million, reuniting with his friend and former teammate, Messi.
• This was the first time that Messi and Alba scored two goals each in the same match for any club or country. They have played together for Barcelona and Spain since 2012 and have won many trophies together, including four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey titles, two Champions League titles, one European Championship title, and one World Cup title.
• This was Inter Miami CF’s biggest win in their MLS history. Their previous record was a 3-0 win over FC Cincinnati in October 2020.
• This was Toronto FC’s biggest loss in their MLS history. Their previous record was a 5-0 loss to New York Red Bulls in March 2016.
• This was the third meeting between Inter Miami CF and Toronto FC in MLS. The first two meetings ended in draws: 1-1 in July 2020 and 0-0 in August 2021.
• This was the first time that Inter Miami CF scored four goals in a single MLS match. Their previous record was three goals, which they achieved six times.
• This was the fifth time that Toronto FC conceded four goals in a single MLS match. The last time they did so was in July 2021, when they lost 4-1 to Orlando City SC.

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What are some important things to remember from the match?

Here are some important things to remember from the match between Inter Miami CF and Toronto FC:

• Inter Miami CF won 4-0 thanks to two goals each by Messi and Alba, who showed their class and chemistry.
• Inter Miami CF dominated possession and created many chances with their quick passing and movement.
• Toronto FC struggled to cope with Inter Miami CF’s pace and creativity and failed to create any clear chances.
• The result moved Inter Miami CF up to the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings and closer to the playoffs.
• The result kept Toronto FC at the bottom of the table and closer to relegation.

Source: ZoxPR.

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