?We?re Hoping to See Messi? ? After America, Canada Joins the Lionel Messi Hype as Inter Miami?s Rivals Expect 36YO to Play

Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer has been nothing short of a phenomenon. The Argentine superstar has transformed Inter Miami into a legitimate playoff contender and has drawn record crowds to stadiums across the United States. But now, the hype is also starting to spread north of the border. As Inter Miami prepares to face Toronto FC for their next MLS game on Wednesday, Toronto fans and players are hoping to see Lionel Messi in action.

Despite sitting out the past two MLS games for the Herons, all eyes are on the 7x Ballon d?Or winner to start for Inter Miami in their next game.

Canada joins the Lionel Messi hype

One of the greatest soccer players of all time, Lionel Messi, has been consistently making headlines across the United States since he arrived at Inter Miami. The excitement has been palpable in the United States, where Messi’s arrival has sparked a renewed interest in MLS. It seems now that the excitement surrounding the Argentine has also spread across the border, in Canada as well.

As The Globe and Mail reported, ahead of the match against Inter Miami, Toronto FC interim coach Terry Dunfield is hopeful that the Argentine superstar will be able to play. He said, “We’re hoping to see Messi. I think since he’s come to the league, his work has been incredible. Not only individually but how he’s risen the stock of Inter Miami and then his teammates around him but also the stock of the league”.

As the Miami side is still in the hunt for a playoff spot, Toronto FC will be looking to emulate the same. The Canadian club currently sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table in the MLS with 22 points, six points short of Inter Miami CF, who sits just above them. The Herons, who are coming off a 5-2 weekend loss at Atlanta with Lionel Messi not making the trip, will need to start winning games consistently if they want to achieve their goal. A victory against Toronto FC would be a good place to start gaining their momentum again.

READ MORE: ?We Don?t Care About Messi? ? After Thumping Inter Miami 5-2, Cristiano Ronaldo?s Countryman Brutally Shrugs Off Lionel Messi Talks in MLS

The playoff quest for Inter Miami

With seven games remaining in the regular season, Inter Miami is desperately seeking to climb the league ladder and secure a playoff berth. The ninth-place spot offers the last chance through a wild-card entry, presenting a glimmer of hope for Miami. However, their focus isn?t solely fixated on the MLS league standings. The looming US Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo on September 27 also adds another layer of complexity to their campaign.

Inter Miami must navigate these challenges if they?re hoping to clinch their quest toward glory. With Lionel Messi?s presence appearing to be a game-changer, the anticipation of fans and the club grows day by day. As Inter Miami and Toronto FC prepare to do battle, all eyes remain fixed on the possibility of witnessing Messi’s brilliance once again. Toronto fans will be eager to see the Argentine maestro in action, and his Inter Miami teammates will be hoping that he can lead them to another victory.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

Will Inter Miami be able to clinch a playoff spot in the MLS this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!