Miami, Apr 7 (UNI) Lionel Messi scored a first-half goal but could not prevent Inter Miami from stumbling to a 1-1 home draw against Toronto in their MLS match here.

Italian midfielder Federico Bernardeschi gave the Canadian side the lead with a deft finish in Fort Lauderdale after combining with compatriot Lorenzo Insigne on Sunday.

Messi put his side on level terms when he took a touch after Telasco Segovia's pass before swiveling and smashing a low drive past goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Inter Miami controlled more than two thirds of possession but was repeatedly denied in the second half by Johnson, who made nine saves during the match.

The result leaves Inter Miami second in the 15-team Eastern Conference standings with 14 points from six outings, a point behind Columbus but with a game in hand.

Toronto is 14th with just three points so far. Elsewhere in the MLS on Sunday, Minnesota won 2-1 at New York City and San Jose cruised to a 6-1 home victory over DC United.

UNI/XINHUA BM