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Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight for Inter Miami vs Toronto FC?
Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

When Inter Miami are on the pitch, there’s always one question that dominates the conversation: is Lionel Messi playing? Tonight, the spotlight is once again on the Argentine superstar as Miami get ready to face Toronto FC. Since his move to MLS, Messi has turned every game into must-watch TV, with fans tuning in not just from the US, but from all corners of the world. 

Whether he’s scoring screamers, setting up teammates with jaw-dropping passes, or simply gracing the field, Messi’s presence changes everything. But as kickoff approaches, the big question everyone wants answered is—will the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner be in action tonight against Toronto? Let’s take a closer look at what we know.

Yes, Messi will be on the field tonight as Inter Miami head to BMO Field to take on Toronto FC, hoping to keep their red-hot form going. The Herons are charging forward in their hunt for the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, coming off a massive 4–0 win over New York City FC that lifted them to 55 points. They now sit fifth in the MLS table, with the bonus of having games in hand over every other team in the top 10.

That win also locked in a playoff spot for Javier Mascherano’s side, the second straight year Miami will feature in the postseason. The next few games will be all about positioning as they look to secure the best possible seeding.

On the other side, Toronto FC come into this one in patchy form. They’re stuck on a six-game run of draws, adjusting to life with new star Dorde Mihailovic after moving on from Italian duo Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi.

Team News and Potential Line Up for Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s big win over NYCFC has thrown them right into the Supporters’ Shield race as the season hits its final stretch. With just five games left and four of those against teams currently outside the playoff spots, the opportunity is there for Messi and company to make a serious push.

Messi, of course, continues to steal the headlines. His two goals on Wednesday not only put Miami back on track but also pushed him past Denis Bouanga in the Golden Boot race. With 24 goals and 13 assists this season, he’s now the frontrunner for MLS MVP. On Saturday, he’ll also have the chance to break a league record by becoming the first player with nine multi-goal games in a single season.

The Herons also welcomed Luis Suárez back from suspension, and he wasted no time scoring again. With Miami eyeing a third straight four-game winning streak, confidence couldn’t be higher heading into Toronto.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Toronto FC (4-3-3): Ustari; Fray, Allen, Falcón, Alba; De Paul, Busquets; Allende, Messi, Rodríguez; Suarez.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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