Toronto FC attracted its largest home crowd in club history on Saturday, as nearly 45,000 fans packed BMO Field for a matchup against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami-a key dress rehearsal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentine superstar scored in Miami’s 4-2 victory, drawing a sea of pink, black, and blue-and-white jerseys. The game tested emergency services, transit, and security protocols, with several pitch invaders attempting to reach Messi late in the match.
“This weekend serves as a real life test run with a number of high attendance sporting events in town,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
The match was the final event at BMO Field before the June 11-July 19 World Cup. The stadium underwent a $158 million expansion, adding 17,000 temporary seats behind the goals to meet capacity standards.
Metrolinx used the game to stress-test its GO train service, planning for half a million additional riders during the World Cup. Canada opens Group B play against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.