Professional soccer superstar Lionel Messi could take the pitch at Toronto’s BMO Field this weekend as Inter Miami faces Toronto FC in what’s expected to be the highest-attended match in the stadium’s history.
Just under 45,000 fans are expected to pack BMO Field this weekend for Toronto FC’s matchup against Inter Miami CF, marking the largest attendance in the stadium’s history.
In an MLS regular-season matinee, Messi could lead against Jonathan Osorio’s Toronto team, as long as Miami’s manager doesn’t relegate him to the bench for rest. The Saturday afternoon game will kick off Matchday 12.
As the game approaches, Toronto FC will hope to get a leg up after multiple player injuries and absences led to six winless games for Toronto. This comes after they were booted out of the Canadian Championship on Tuesday, following a 1-3 loss to Atlético Ottawa in the Canadian Premier League.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami will also be aiming to set the record straight after a recent 3-4 loss to Orlando City on their home field. Any fiery resentment from that game could drive the American team forward while facing their Northern neighbour.
While Inter Miami aims for a get-right result, Toronto will have to try and work with their team, as players Djordje Mihailovic and Richie Laryea have missed multiple games due to injuries, and player Josh Sargent could miss another match after he was absent from the recent Canadian Championship game.
Messi provokes Toronto reaction
As FC fans gear up for another electric game, some have been speculating whether Messi will make an appearance on the field.
“He has a week off in between games before the Toronto one,” one fan on Reddit explained.
“He also was in Toronto for the game last year, if that means anything. A Saturday May afternoon in Toronto isn’t honestly the worst conditions to play in either. Miami isn’t top [right now], which might factor in?”
“You’ll find out if he plays or by tuning into the game and seeing if he plays or not, that is it,” another Reddit user wrote.
Reaction was mixed, with some fans on social media confident that player number 10 would make an appearance, while others were not so sure.
“For sure he’s gonna play,” one Reddit user said.
“I’d bet on no [to be honest],” another fan wrote.
Getting to the game
Fans heading to the match are being encouraged to plan ahead, as Toronto FC has introduced updated entry procedures and transit recommendations ahead of Saturday’s near-capacity crowd.
Gates 1 and 3 will operate from new locations as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Gate 5 will remain unchanged for premium entry. Fans must enter through the gate listed on their ticket.
Meanwhile, Metrolinx will run additional Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West service to help accommodate the expected influx of fans travelling to and from BMO Field.
Drivers are also being warned about major road closures, with the Don Valley Parkway shutting down from Highway 401 to the Gardiner Expressway’s Jarvis Street ramp from Friday through Sunday. With limited parking available onsite, fans are being urged to take public transit where possible.
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The game will be the last of the season before FIFA World Cup matches begin to grace the BMO Field grass, with Canada facing off against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.
