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Lionel Messi, Inter Miami vs Toronto. Live stream, updates

Posted on by Vanessa
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami vs Toronto. Live stream, updates

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Lionel Messi is one of several starters not listed in the starting lineup as Inter Miami is set to play Toronto FC today at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and goalkeeper Drake Callender are among the starters resting Saturday as Inter Miami secured the MLS Supporters' Shield and the No. 1 seed in the MLS Cup playoffs standings .

But don't lose hope: it's possible that Messi will come off the bench and play a few minutes so that fans in Toronto can see the Argentine world champion.

Although Inter Miami have already secured the MLS Supporters' Shield after a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew on Wednesday, there is a lot at stake for both clubs in this clash:

Inter Miami has two games left and needs to win both games to set the MLS record of 74 points in a season.

Meanwhile, Toronto plays its final game of the regular season. It sits in the ninth and final playoff spot in the MLS Eastern Conference heading into Saturday's games.

Here's what you need to know about the Inter Miami-Toronto game as USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates from the game:

Inter Miami's game against Toronto FC is available to stream live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

When is the Inter Miami game in Toronto?

The game begins at 4:00 p.m. ET and is the only afternoon game on Saturday's MLS schedule.

Messi is not in the starting line-up but could potentially come on as a substitute.

Messi has regularly posted a video on his Instagram story before the games he plays in, but he has yet to do so before Saturday's game against Toronto. This tweet from Inter Miami, in which Messi's jersey is not visible, was also a hint that other players could start the game.

Should Messi play, it would be his second game in Canada this season: Messi played in Montreal on May 11th, but not in Vancouver on May 25th.

“I understand people's expectations and the fact that they come to see him,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said of Messi's game in Toronto. “Nevertheless, we will try to decide what is best for his health.”

How did Messi fare after his injury?

Messi has played five games since injuring his right ankle in the Copa America and most recently scored two goals in five minutes against Columbus, securing the club's second title since his arrival in July 2023.

While Martino noted that Messi is getting stronger with the minutes he logs and his rhythm is getting back into shape, the club wants to keep an eye on the minutes Messi plays on Saturday.

After the game in Toronto, Messi will play two World Cup qualifiers with the Argentina national team – against Venezuela on October 10th and against Bolivia on October 15th.

The MLS season ends on October 19, where Inter Miami hosts New England Revolution, who set the points record with 73 points in 2021.

MLS Rankings

Inter Miami already has the best record in MLS this season. But keep an eye on the Eastern Conference seeds 8 and 9.

No. 9 Toronto has a lead in the tiebreaker over No. 10 Philadelphia and No. 11 DC United (all three clubs have 37 points), while Montreal is in eighth place with 40 points. But Montreal, Philadelphia and DC United still have two games left.

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