Toronto FC is bracing for the largest crowd in club history this Saturday as global superstar Lionel Messi returns to BMO Field with Inter Miami — a matchup that has triggered unprecedented demand.
Just under 45,000 tickets have been distributed for the 1 p.m. ET kickoff on May 9, the club says, marking not only a record‑setting attendance for TFC but also the club’s final home game before BMO Field transitions into FIFA World Cup 2026 mode.
Messi’s presence is expected to generate a city‑wide surge similar to his last visit, when Toronto’s waterfront, transit corridors and Liberty Village were packed with fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the Argentine soccer legend. This weekend’s crowd is projected to be even larger.
TFC says fans will encounter new entry and exit points that reflect the stadium’s evolving World Cup footprint.
Supporters must enter through the gate listed on their ticket, and the club is urging fans to arrive earlier than usual to avoid bottlenecks.
Metrolinx will operate additional GO Transit service along both the Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West lines to help manage the massive influx of fans.
But the city is warning of significant traffic disruptions: The Don Valley Parkway will be fully closed from Highway 401 to the Gardiner Expressway — including the Jarvis Street ramp — from Friday through Sunday for spring maintenance.
With limited parking at Exhibition Place and a major expressway offline, fans are strongly encouraged to take public transit.