Why facing Lionel Messi is ‘easier’ second time around as MLS rival & potential USMNT star Kevin O’Toole prepares for reunion with Inter Miami icon

The New Jersey native has previously lined up against eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi in a friendly fixture, but will see MLS points put on the line when they are reunited at Chase Stadium on March 30. O’Toole feels better prepared for the challenges that he will face that day, having already seen the Argentine GOAT up close.

O’Toole has told The Irish Star: “It was surreal playing against Messi. It was during a friendly so it was good to get the jitters out the way, and the excitement of playing against someone who has achieved so much in a non-competitive match. I'll be reflecting on it for a while. It was such a big accomplishment to share the field with him. The fact the game didn't have meaning, in the sense it wasn't going to influence our season, meant I was able to appreciate the moment a lot more. We play Inter Miami again in a few weeks so I expect it'll be easier to get into the zone.”

O’Toole is eager to catch the eye this season, particularly when operating under the brightest of spotlights, as he is looking to fulfil an international dream. He is eligible for the United States and Republic of Ireland, with the versatile 25-year-old hoping that a call from either will arrive at some stage. He added on future goals: “If any team, the U.S. or Ireland, gave me the opportunity to play with them on an international level, I would jump at it. I want to test myself at that level. It'd be so cool to wear a shirt for a country my family is from or where I was born. I wouldn't necessarily commit to one or the other because the U.S. and Ireland both mean so much to me.”

New York City drafted O’Toole in 2022 and have seen him become an important part of their plans. He has spent time in the academy ranks of the New York Red Bulls before making it as a professional able to operate in defence, midfield and attack.