Toronto books Leagues Cup knockout start with Messis Miami [Video]

Toronto FC edged reigning CONCACAF Champions Cup champion Pachuca 2-1 on Sunday to book a first-round knockout match against defending Leagues Cup champion Inter Miami.

Canadian defender Kobe Franklin’s goal in the 78th minute gave Toronto the home victory and the group title to reach the knockout rounds.

The World Cup-style event features MLS and Liga MX Mexican sides in three-team groups with two clubs advancing from each to the knockout rounds.

US midfielder Derrick Etienne had given Toronto the lead in the 44th minute but Moroccan Oussama Idrissi equalized for Pachuca in the 59th.

Miami has been without Argentine superstar Lionel Messi with a right ankle injury suffered in his nation’s Copa America final triumph last month over Colombia.

In Florida, 10-man host Orlando City clinched a group title by beating Atletico San Luis 5-4 on penalties after playing to a 1-1 draw.

Orlando lost US defender Kyle Smith …