Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami, but the team was held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Toronto FC in Major League Soccer on Sunday. Despite being winless this season, Toronto deserved their point and created several opportunities that could have earned them a victory.

Toronto, sitting 14th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference, caused plenty of problems for Miami’s shaky defense, hitting the woodwork twice in the early stages. Theo Corbeanu struck the post with a left-foot shot in the 17th minute, and then again just two minutes later after a goalmouth scramble.

Miami thought they had taken the lead in the 39th minute when Messi fired a trademark low drive from the edge of the box into the corner. However, a VAR review ruled that Messi had fouled French defender Nicksoen Gomis while creating space for the shot, and the goal was disallowed.

Toronto took the lead seven minutes later when Italian forward Federico Bernardeschi twisted and turned inside the box before poking the ball past Miami keeper Drake Callender. But the advantage was short-lived, as Messi, found by Telasco Segovia, was given too much space at the edge of the box and scored with a pinpoint low drive, beating Toronto keeper Sean Johnson.

In the second half, Toronto looked to regain the lead, with Bernardeschi firing wide from a promising position. Miami struggled with structure and fluency but remained dangerous on the counter-attack. They almost went ahead when Fafa Picault crossed from the right to Luis Suarez, but the veteran forward lost his balance and shot wide from close range.

Messi, who played the full game, was often crowded out by Toronto defenders, although he tested Johnson with a low shot in the 77th minute. Bernardeschi threatened again late in the game, but Miami defender Tomas Aviles made a crucial block to deny him.

Miami’s next challenge comes on Wednesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-final second leg against Los Angeles FC, trailing 1-0 from the first leg. Coach Javier Mascherano expressed frustration with Sunday’s performance but emphasized the team`s focus on the upcoming match.

“We disconnected from the game for 10-15 minutes in the first half and they scored. Then we tried to respond in the second half with the substitutes. Toronto played really well and has quality up front, so we need to focus on Wednesday,” said Mascherano.

In other MLS action, former Inter Miami striker Josef Martinez scored a hat-trick as the San Jose Earthquakes beat DC United 6-1. New York City FC lost 2-1 at home to Minnesota United, who moved up to third place in the Western Conference with the win.