Inter Miami Set to Face Toronto FC with Key Players Resting

Several key players, including Lionel Messi, are not listed in the starting lineup as Inter Miami prepares to face Toronto FC today at 4 p.m. ET. Alongside Messi, other notable starters such as Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and goalkeeper Drake Callender are being rested. This decision comes after Inter Miami clinched the MLS Supporters' Shield and secured the No. 1 overall seed in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Despite not starting, there remains a possibility that Messi might make an appearance off the bench, providing fans in Toronto the chance to see the Argentine World Cup champion play. Though Inter Miami has already claimed the MLS Supporters’ Shield following their recent match victory, both teams have incentives for today’s game. Inter Miami seeks to win their remaining two matches to set a new MLS points record with 74 in a season. Meanwhile, Toronto FC is fighting for its place in the playoffs, sitting in the ninth and final playoff spot as Saturday’s games commence.

USA TODAY Sports is set to provide live updates for the match, which can be streamed live beginning at 4 p.m. ET. The match stands out as the only afternoon fixture on the MLS schedule for Saturday. Messi, who typically posts a pre-match video to his Instagram story, has not done so yet for this Toronto match.

Inter Miami’s manager, Tata Martino, addressed the anticipation surrounding Messi’s potential participation in the Toronto game. “I understand people’s expectations and the fact of coming to see him,” Martino stated. “Even so, we will try to decide the best for his health fundamentally.” Messi has participated in five games since recovering from a right ankle injury in the Copa America and has recently contributed to clinching the club’s second title since his arrival in July 2023.

While Martino emphasized Messi’s strengthening form and regained rhythm, the team is cautious of the minutes he plays. After the Toronto showdown, Messi is expected to join the Argentine national team for two World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Bolivia on October 10 and 15, respectively.

The MLS season finale will see Inter Miami hosting a major matchup against a team that set the points record with 73 points in 2021. Though Inter Miami has already clinched the best record in MLS this season, there is a significant battle unfolding for the No. 8 and 9 seeds in the Eastern Conference. Ninth-place Toronto holds a tiebreaker advantage over both Philadelphia and D.C. United, with all three teams currently on 37 points. However, Montreal, positioned in eighth place with 40 points, along with Philadelphia and D.C. United, each have two matches left to play.