Late Campana Heroics Keep Inter Miami’s Record Chase Alive

Inter Miami’s relentless pursuit of Major League Soccer history continued with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday, thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Leonardo Campana. The win not only crushed Toronto’s slim playoff hopes but kept Miami on track to break the MLS single-season points record, needing just one more victory in their final match to set a new benchmark.

The game at BMO Field began with Inter Miami manager Tata Martino making several changes to rest key players, including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets, all of whom were benched for the first half. Messi, who had been nursing a recent injury, entered the fray in the second half to a rapturous reception from the Toronto crowd. However, the game remained scoreless deep into stoppage time, and it appeared that Miami might have to settle for a draw.
But Leonardo Campana, Miami’s all-time leading scorer, had other plans. In the 93rd minute, he latched onto a precise cross, showcasing his aerial prowess with an acrobatic finish to beat Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson. The Ecuadorian forward’s crucial strike marked his eighth goal of the season and moved Inter Miami closer to MLS history.

Toronto FC fought valiantly, needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resilient Miami defense. Despite several attacking substitutions and late-game pressure, including an ambitious attempt from Toronto’s Lorenzo Insigne, the hosts were unable to find the back of the net.

Meanwhile, Messi, who came on in the 60th minute, showed flashes of brilliance but could not add to his tally of four goals since returning from injury. At one point, a hard challenge from Toronto’s Sigurd Rosted left the Argentine star down momentarily, causing a brief scare for Miami fans. However, Messi quickly returned to his feet, and Rosted was shown a yellow card for the foul.

The match saw some unexpected interruptions, including two pitch invaders seeking selfies with Messi, further illustrating the Argentine’s magnetic presence even when he’s not at his best. While Messi couldn’t break through Toronto’s defense, his mere presence shifted the dynamics of the game, opening up opportunities for his teammates, including Campana.
Inter Miami now faces the New England Revolution on October 19 in their regular-season finale. A win would secure the MLS points record, surpassing New England’s mark of 73 points set in 2021. For Toronto, the loss marked the end of their playoff aspirations, leaving them to reflect on a season of missed opportunities.

As Miami’s record chase rolls on, the team’s blend of veteran stars and unsung heroes like Campana continue to make waves across MLS. With the playoffs looming and history within reach, Inter Miami’s next goal is to be crowned MLS Cup Champions. With Lionel Messi, this historic accomplishment is within reach.
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