Inter Miami CF defeated Toronto FC 4-0 at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday night, in a match that was overshadowed by injury to Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi was withdrawn in the 37th minute with a suspected hamstring injury, while Alba left the field in the first half with a calf problem.
Despite the setbacks, the Florida-based MLS franchise put on a dominant display, with Robert Taylor scoring two goals and Facundo Farias and Benjamin Cremaschi adding the others.
Inter Miami started the match brightly and created a number of chances in the early stages. Josef Martinez missed a sitter in the fourth minute, but the hosts made the breakthrough in the 26th minute through Farias.
Farias received the ball from Taylor on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner of the net.
The home side doubled their lead in the 38th minute through Taylor. Taylor was played through on goal, and the Jamaican forward slotted the ball past Toronto goalkeeper Alex Bono.
Toronto had a few chances to get back into the game in the second half, but Inter Miami defended well and added two more goals to their tally.
Taylor scored his second goal of the game in the 54th minute, finishing off a good team move.
Cremaschi added the fourth goal in the 78th minute, with a header from a corner.
The victory was a comfortable one for Inter Miami, who are now in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, five points outside of the playoff places. Toronto FC, on the other hand, are now in 13th place and are running out of time to make a push for the playoffs.
Inter Miami CF 4-0 Toronto FC
Goals: Farias (26′), Taylor (38′, 54′), Cremaschi (78′)
Inter Miami CF: Marsman; Mabiala, Lombe, Neville; Lennon, Gregore, Morgan, Duke; Farias, Taylor, Higuain (Subs: Reyes (45+1′), Lassiter (69′), Mota (75′))
Toronto FC: Bono; Mavinga, Bradley, Salcedo; Auro, Priso, Bradley, Osorio, Laryea; Insigne, Pozuelo (Subs: Shaffelburg (45+1′), Achara (62′), Jimenez (82′))
Yellow cards: Gregore (Inter Miami CF), Auro (Toronto FC)
