August 22, 2026 • 12:04 PM EDT
Updated 17 days ago
Lionel Messi is set to start for Inter Miami when they host Toronto FC at Nu Stadium for a pivotal 2026 MLS season matchup. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET, and after a week spent wondering about his status following a run-in with Quinn Sullivan, Miami’s superstar is officially available, no suspension hanging over his head. That’s massive news for Miami, who are in desperate need to snap a rough patch that’s seen them lose three of their last four across all competitions.
Inter Miami currently sit second in the Eastern Conference with 39 points, but that gap can start shrinking fast if the Herons don’t find form. There’s a significant points buffer over Toronto FC, who are down in 11th with just 21, but this isn’t the time to get complacent, especially with a squad that’ll be missing a few key pieces. Guillermo Hoyos’s side will have to get creative in midfield because Mateo Silvetti, Micael, German Berterame, and Tadeo Allende are all sidelined, and Yannick Bright remains suspended after a red card picked up against Philadelphia Union. According to World Soccer Talk, it’s Toronto’s turn to patch together a lineup, too, missing several starters through injury and another to suspension.
Toronto’s injury and suspension issues are just as grim: Jonathan Osorio, Deandre Kerr, Lazar Stefanovic, Nelson Palacio, Nicksoen Gomis, Markus Cimermancic, and Matheus Pereira all miss out, with defender Walker Zimmerman suspended. The upside for Miami? Messi’s available, and Luis Suarez is still firing with 10 goals this season. Toronto have managed to frustrate favored opponents in 2026, but on paper, Inter Miami’s projected lineup looks loaded up front, even if they’re a little thin in the middle of the park without Bright anchoring things.
Key developments heading into Inter Miami vs Toronto FC
- Messi is fit and starts for Inter Miami after avoiding a suspension
- Inter Miami have dropped three of their last four in all competitions
- Herons miss several regulars, including Bright (suspension), Silvetti, Micael, Berterame, and Allende (injuries)
- Toronto are without Zimmerman (suspension) plus multiple starters due to injury
- Miami are currently second in the East, Toronto 11th
- Kickoff at Nu Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET
Projected lineups for Miami and Toronto
Inter Miami
With Bright out, Hoyos is likely to shuffle his midfield. The attack still revolves around Messi and Suarez, supported by De Paul and Casemiro’s experience. Expect a backline of Reguilón, Luján, Fray, and Mura in front of Ríos Novo.
Projected XI: Ríos Novo; Reguilón, Luján, Fray, Mura; Casemiro, Segovia, De Paul; Messi, Suárez.
Toronto FC
Missing Zimmerman, Toronto’s defense faces a daunting task trying to disrupt Messi and Suarez. Sallói is the focal point up front, with Mihailovic and Corbeanu adding creative spark behind him.
Projected XI: Gavran; Gilman, Kuscevic, Laryea; Dorsch, Cimermancic; Sallói, Mihailovic, Corbeanu; Sargent.
Why Messi’s involvement is crucial for Miami
If you’re betting, Messi’s availability swings the odds well in Miami’s favor. He not only provides a goal threat but also makes Suarez and De Paul more dangerous by drawing defenders and connecting the midfield to the attack. Without several regulars, Miami will lean on Messi’s stability and ability to create under pressure. Toronto have been tricky for favorites, but Miami bring superior firepower if the projected front line starts as expected.
Key takeaways for bettors and fans
- Messi’s starting status boosts Miami’s win and scoring odds
- Miami’s squad depth in midfield is tested without Bright and others
- Suarez is in form, likely to benefit from Messi’s playmaking
- Toronto’s undermanned defense makes a double-digit goal tally for Miami’s talisman more likely
- Both sides come into this with injury and suspension clouds, so late lineup changes remain possible
- Look for goal props and Miami to win at home
- If betting on Toronto, keep stakes low—upset potential exists, but strength is limited
More coverage: latest Soccer news, Soccer betting hub and today’s Soccer picks.
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