TORONTO — The buzz around BMO Field reached a fever pitch as Argentine football sensation Lionel Messi arrived for Inter Miami CF's highly anticipated match against Toronto FC on Saturday. Despite being benched, Messi drew massive attention, showcasing his superstar status in Major League Soccer (MLS).

With Inter Miami having already secured first place in the MLS Eastern Conference, head coach Tata Martino made the tactical decision to rest Messi and other star players, including Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, starting them among the substitutes. This move highlighted the team’s confidence as they prepared for playoffs.

Security measures were unprecedented. The southwest corner of the stadium was roped off to ensure the team bus could reach the venue without incident, with police cars strategically parked as hundreds of fans gathered, reminiscent of a huge parade atmosphere. The excitement was palpable, and a sense of anticipation enveloped the stadium as arrangements were made to clear a balcony for an unobstructed view of Messi's arrival.

Ticket prices skyrocketed on resale platforms, with rates ranging from $400 all the way up to a staggering $7,700 ahead of the match. Clearly, Messi's presence influenced demand, as fans clamored for a glimpse of the icon.

As the team clad in their distinctive pink jerseys took to the pitch to assess the playing field, the strains of Rush’s classic, "Tom Sawyer," added to the electric energy in the stadium. Previously, Messi and Miami had celebrated a thrilling 3-2 victory in Columbus, affirming their dominance in the league and clinching the coveted Supporters Shield for the best regular-season record.

At 37 years old, Messi continues to defy the odds, having scored 17 goals and provided 15 assists in just 17 league matches this season. His incredible performance has earned him the MLS Player of the Match honors five times, placing him among legends like Carlos Vela and Thierry Henry who have reached similar milestones in the league's history.

While Miami's current 68 points position them just five shy of the single-season record of 73, which remains within reach before the regular season concludes, the decision to rest their star player demonstrated a strategic focus on their championship ambitions.

Moreover, the event welcomed an iconic figure in Toronto football history. Former striker Sebastian Giovinco, who dazzled fans with his talent from 2015 to 2018, was introduced as a special adviser and ambassador for Toronto FC. With 83 goals to his name, Giovinco remains the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and is poised to inspire a new generation of players and fans.

As the match unfolded, the excitement surrounding Messi and the tactical maneuvers of Inter Miami set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the MLS regular season. Stay tuned for further updates as this legendary athlete continues to make waves in North American soccer!