‘Can’t miss more points’ – Why Toronto FC expect to face Lionel Messi after rare break for Inter Miami superstar in MLS

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been enjoying a rare rest period with club and country, having picked up a slight knock while away on 2026 World Cup qualifying duty with Argentina. No risks were taken on his fitness when Inter Miami faced Atlanta United over the weekend.

They lost that game 5-2 – with Jordi Alba also absent – and now have a seven-point gap to bridge across just seven games in order to make the post-season. With that in mind, Toronto are expecting to come up against Messi when heading to DRV PNK Stadium. Veteran playmaker Victor Vazquez, who spent time in the famed La Masia academy system at Barcelona alongside Messi, has told reporters: “I think he’s going to be ready Wednesday because he plays in front of his fans again. And also because they can’t miss more points. They need the points … we really need it also. That’s why I say it’s going to be a fun game for us and for the supporters.”

Interim coach Terry Dunfield also believes that Inter Miami will return their talismanic captain to the starting XI in midweek with so much on the line. He said: “We’re hoping to see Messi. I think since he’s come to the league, his work has been incredible. Not only individually but how he’s risen the stock of Inter Miami and then his team-mates around him but also the stock of the league.”

Messi has scored 11 goals through as many appearances for Inter Miami, helping them to a historic Leagues Cup triumph – which made him the most decorated player in history – the final of the U.S. Open Cup and to within sight of a place in the Eastern Conference play-offs.