´There´s only one Leo Messi´, says Miami boss as superstar makes MLS history in rout of Toronto

Lionel Messi must be “protected”, so said Inter Miami interim boss Guillermo Hoyos, after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made more MLS history.

Messi and his compatriot Rodrigo de Paul both scored and provided two assists as Miami crushed Toronto FC 4-2 at BMO Field.

It got Miami back on track after last week’s loss to Florida rivals Orlando City.

In netting Miami’s final goal, Messi hit 100 goal involvements in MLS, achieving the feat in just 75 games.

He has surpassed former Toronto star Sebastian Giovinco (95 games) as the fastest player to reach the landmark.

If you blink, you’ll miss it. Leo Messi fastest to 100 goal contributions in @mls pic.twitter.com/KKnIWBJi5D

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 9, 2026

“That’s an extraordinary record, one that marks a path,” Hoyos said.

“I believe we have to protect him even more. He needs more protection. Because there aren’t many Leo Messi’s. There’s only one.

“That class of players [like Messi], Rodri [De Paul] as well, guys like Suarez, and successful players like that, we have to protect them and take care of them. Why? Because they fill stadiums.

“The real protagonists in all this are the players. It’s as clear as that.”

De Paul volleyed in a stunning opener at the end of the first half, before he and Messi teamed up to set up Luis Suarez to make it 2-0 in the 56th minute.

Sergio Reguilon scored from a Messi assist in the 73rd minute, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner putting Miami four to the good soon after.

“They express themselves in an extraordinary way,” Hoyos said of his squad.

“And when they express themselves, they open any defence, any game situation. We’re talking about people who are cracks.”

Miami’s clean sheet was blemished by Emilio Aristizabal, who netted a late double after coming on from the bench.

The Herons are third in the Eastern Conference, two points behind leaders Nashville SC.