In a thrilling prelude to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, BMO Field in Toronto welcomed a record crowd of 44,828 fans on Saturday, where Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance, leading Inter Miami to a 4-2 victory over Toronto FC. The match not only marked the last home game for Toronto before the World Cup but also served as a testing ground for the venue, which will host six matches during the tournament this summer.
A Record-Breaking Crowd
The atmosphere at BMO Field was electric, with the stadium’s expanded capacity — including 17,000 temporary seats — fully utilised for the first time. The sellout crowd surpassed the previous record of 40,148 set during the NHL’s outdoor Centennial Classic in 2017. Toronto FC’s coach, Robin Fraser, praised the venue: “To see where it is now, it’s a world-class stadium. It feels like it’s going to be a great place for the World Cup.”
The match served as a preview of the high-stakes action expected this summer, with Canada kicking off the World Cup on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following that, the venue will host four group-stage matches featuring teams like Ghana, Germany, and Croatia, culminating in a round-of-32 fixture on July 2.
Messi’s Masterclass
Messi, who is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer at $20.45 million, did not disappoint. He scored one goal and provided assists for two others, reaffirming his status as one of football’s all-time greats. The Argentine maestro opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a clever play that allowed Rodrigo De Paul to volley home, before setting up Luis Suarez and Sergio Reguilón for further goals.
Toronto managed to pull back two late goals through substitute Emilio Aristizábal, but it was not enough to halt Miami’s momentum. Toronto’s injury woes continued as they now find themselves winless in seven matches, with a record of 0-3-4 across all competitions.
Controversial Calls and Tactical Battles
The match was marred by contentious officiating, particularly concerning a goal scored by Suarez. Toronto players were incensed when Raheem Edwards was brought down prior to the goal, leaving Fraser visibly frustrated post-match. “The things that really stick in my craw are those two calls,” he lamented. “It’s mind-blowing to me.”
With injuries plaguing Toronto, the team has struggled to find form, missing several key players including defenders Lazar Stefanovic and Benjamin Kuscevic, as well as midfielders Jose Cifuentes and Djordje Mihailovic. Despite their struggles, the team displayed determination, but ultimately fell short against a Miami side that has proven formidable in recent encounters.
Navigating New Challenges
Fans faced logistical challenges as they navigated the new entry points at BMO Field, which had been updated for the World Cup. With the Don Valley Parkway closed for maintenance and a concurrent Blue Jays game creating additional congestion, arriving at the stadium was no easy feat. However, the weather was favourable, with sunny conditions greeting fans as they entered the ground.
Miami came into the match looking to recover from a shocking loss to Orlando City, while Toronto aimed to bounce back from a defeat to Atletico Ottawa in Canadian Championship play. As both teams faced their respective struggles, the match took on added significance for fans and players alike.
Why it Matters
This match served as a vital reminder of the excitement and passion that football can generate, particularly as the World Cup looms large. With Messi’s star power drawing crowds and enhancing the profile of the tournament, BMO Field’s transformation into a top-tier venue underscores Canada’s commitment to hosting world-class events. As the tournament approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on how teams like Canada will perform on this grand stage, and how the legacies of players like Messi will continue to shape the sport.
