Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami on Saturday, but his effort was not enough to prevent a 2-1 home defeat to Toronto, extending Miami’s winless run to five matches.

Miami found themselves in serious trouble after Toronto struck twice in the second half. Josh Sargent opened the scoring in the 59th minute before Derrick Etienne Jr. doubled the visitors’ advantage just three minutes later.

Messi gave the hosts a lifeline in the 82nd minute, finishing after a brilliant through ball from fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul.

Despite mounting late pressure, Inter Miami could not find an equaliser as Toronto held on for a valuable away victory.

The goal was Messi’s 14th in MLS this season, keeping him second in the league’s scoring charts behind Dallas forward Petar Musa, who entered Saturday’s action with 16 goals.

However, Miami’s recent form remains a major concern. They have now gone five games without a victory, suffering four defeats and one draw across MLS and the Leagues Cup.

Their disappointing Leagues Cup campaign ended in the group stage, while the latest loss leaves Miami second in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Leaders Nashville remain seven points clear and have a game in hand, while Robert Lewandowski’s Chicago Fire moved to within three points of Miami after drawing 1-1 with the New York Red Bulls.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Orlando City moved into the MLS Cup playoff places with a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake.

French forward Antoine Griezmann, who recently joined Orlando from Atletico Madrid, was the hero as he scored twice in the second half to complete his first MLS brace.

Real Salt Lake had taken the lead through Dominik Marczuk in the 36th minute, but Griezmann turned the game around after the break to secure all three points for Orlando.