Toronto FC

When Messi's Not Playing, Is it Still a Party?

Toronto FC faces Inter Miami—with or without Messi! Did his benching spoil the fun, or are we still ready to cheer?

As the Toronto FC gears up for a must-win showdown against Inter Miami CF, all eyes are on Lionel Messi—or rather, they're on the bench where he seems to be spending a bit too much time lately! It's no secret that the football world has been buzzing about the Argentine superstar, yet when he was absent from the starting lineup in the clash against Toronto FC, fans had mixed feelings. Some wondered whether the game would still have that magic spark without the footballing icon, while others felt relieved to see the Reds focus on their own game rather than bask in the brilliance of the GOAT’s shadow.

Toronto FC has had a rocky season, and with a midweek defeat against New York still fresh in their minds, heading into this match against Inter Miami is nothing short of crucial for their playoff hopes. The Reds have shown sparks of brilliance but have struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season. With the season-ending match at BMO Field, Toronto FC faces the perfect opportunity to showcase their skill and determination, especially with Messi lurking on the sidelines rather than dominating the pitch.

But one can't help but chuckle when considering the irony: inter Miami has already secured the Supporters' Shield and is chasing an all-time points record, all while Messi is nursing his bench-warming duties. For fans in attendance, however, there’s still excitement in watching a powerhouse team like Miami—Messi or not! After all, the match against Toronto presents its own storyline of underdog spirit, captivating plays, and stunning goals.

As the fans gear up for the Toronto-FC vs. Inter Miami clash, they should be prepared for high-intensity gameplay. Historically, matches involving players of Messi's caliber draw more than just the standard soccer crowd. According to the MLS, games featuring Messi in the lineup have seen attendance spikes and increased viewership, even if he's not hitting the pitch this time. Also, did you know that despite only playing one match in Canada this season, his presence still seems to generate buzz like few can? So, whether Messi takes the field or simply brings his aura from the sidelines, one thing's for sure—the excitement surrounding this match is anything but diminished!