Inter Miami take on Toronto FC in the 2026 MLS season, where Lionel Messi is expected to start for the Herons at Nu Stadium.
Lionel Messi is expected to start for Inter Miami on Saturday when the Herons host Toronto FC at Nu Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Argentine captain enters the match cleared to play after avoiding suspension over his incident with Quinn Sullivan, and he’ll look to help Miami snap a rough patch that has included three losses in their last four matches across all competitions.
Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference with 39 points, while Toronto are down in 11th with 21 points. Despite the gap in the standings, head coach Guillermo Hoyos won’t have a fully healthy squad to work with, dealing with the absences of Mateo Silvetti, Micael, German Berterame, and Tadeo Allende, along with Yannick Bright, who remains suspended following his red card in the Philadelphia Union match.
Toronto arrive with their own injury and suspension concerns, missing Jonathan Osorio, Deandre Kerr, Lazar Stefanovic, Nelson Palacio, Nicksoen Gomis, Markus Cimermancic, Matheus Pereira, and defender Walker Zimmerman, who is suspended as well.
With Messi expected to lead the line alongside Luis Suarez, who has scored 10 goals of his own this season, Inter Miami go in as heavy favorites to snap their slide, though Toronto have shown they’re capable of frustrating stronger opponents this year.
It’s Matchday back home 🩷🖤⚽️#MIAvTOR pic.twitter.com/d2ZSmrRiNH— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 22, 2026
Inter Miami’s projected lineup
With Bright suspended, Hoyos is expected to lean on his available midfield options to fill the void, keeping Messi and Suarez up top as the focal points of the attack.
Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: Ríos Novo; Reguilón, Luján, Fray, Mura; Casemiro, Segovia, De Paul; Messi, Suárez.
Toronto FC’s projected lineup
Without Zimmerman available at the back, Toronto will need to rely on their remaining central defensive options to try to contain Miami’s attack, while Sallói carries the bulk of the attacking responsibility up top.
Toronto FC’s projected starting XI: Gavran; Gilman, Kuscevic, Laryea; Dorsch, Cimermancic; Sallói, Mihailovic, Corbeanu; Sargent.