Messi scores but can't save Inter Miami from yet another defeat, this time against Toronto FC at home

Josh Sargent and Derrick Etienne Jr. scored second-half goals three minutes apart and Toronto FC held on for a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night.

Neither team found the net until the rookie Sargent scored in the 59th minute to give Toronto the lead. Dániel Sallói and Etienne had assists on Sargent's fourth goal. Sallói's helper was his seventh and Etienne collected his third.

Etienne scored for the third this season — unassisted three minutes later for a two-goal lead that helped Toronto win in Miami for the first time

Lionel Messi cut it to 2-1 in the 82nd minute with his 14th goal this season and his 64th in 71 career appearances. Rodrigo De Paul had the assist.

Luka Gavran saved two shots for Toronto ( 5-7-9 ).

Dayne St. Clair finished without a save for Inter Miami ( 11-4-6 ), which falls to 0-2-2 in August.

Toronto is 2-0-2 in its last four matches and 2-1-4 since July 1.

Inter Miami posted a 4-2 victory in Toronto back in May and leads the all-time series 9-3-2.