Inter Miami

Messi Rolls into Toronto: Can the Reds Stand a Chance?

Don't miss out on the action! Inter Miami's Lionel Messi makes his bench debut in Toronto—will he take the field and change the game?

In a thrilling encounter set against the backdrop of BMO Field, Toronto FC prepared to face Inter Miami CF, led by none other than global football icon, Lionel Messi. This was no ordinary matchup; it marked the end of the 2024 MLS regular season for the Reds, who were desperately seeking a must-win victory to secure a playoff spot. However, fans were left on the edge of their seats, wondering whether Messi would take to the pitch after being listed on the bench for the match. With his historical ability to turn the tide of a game, his presence alone conjured excitement from the crowd, which was palpable as he arrived at the stadium to a frenzy of anticipation.

Despite Inter Miami having already clinched first place in the Eastern Conference, head coach Tata Martino decided to rest Messi along with other stars like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. With the playoffs right around the corner, the need to preserve the squad’s health and stamina was paramount, yet fans couldn’t help but wish to see Messi weave his magic on Canadian soil. His only prior appearance in Canada was against Montreal earlier in 2023, and the hope was that his fans in Toronto would finally get a glimpse of the maestro himself.

As the game unfolded, Inter Miami showcased its strength, even without its superstar. The team not only boasted an impressive record but was just one win away from breaking the all-time points record for a single MLS regular season. This tantalizing statistic set the stage for a showdown that was as much about legacy as it was about the immediate result. When the final whistle blew, fans cheered on as Messi and his counterparts entered the field, providing an exciting twist to the showdown.

In the final moments, much to the delight of the crowd, Messi was finally called upon! But would he be able to turn the tides for Toronto FC, or would the energy from the bench translate into a decisive advantage for the Miami squad? As Messi’s fans chanted his name, all of Canada watched, eager to see if the legend could indeed elevate the match at the last minute.

Fun Fact 1: In his debut season at Inter Miami, Messi has already set records, putting him in the spotlight as one of the most influential players in MLS history.

Fun Fact 2: Despite his brief appearances in Canadian matches, Messi continues to have a loyal fan base in Canada, evident by the raucous cheers and Canadian flags during his appearances!