Bittersweet experience as Messi Mania hits BMO Field

That was the text I sent my good friend Ted after Toronto FC lost to Inter Miami 1-0 and were essentially eliminated from the playoffs (it would be confirmed later that other results offcially ended TFC’s season).

When the match started with Leo Messi on the bench and with no guarantee of him playing in an otherwise meaningless match for Miami (they already clinched the Supporters Shield and home field through the playoffs), the thousands in Messi jerseys, and some in TFC red, were left hoping he would play at least a bit in the second half.

When he started warming up early in the second half, the buzz around the stadium kept growing and growing.

As he went to the bench to remove his training pants, the heightened sense of anticipation was palpable.

Even my daughter, dressed in her TFC jersey and wearing her All For One scarf, was literally shaking in excitement as the GOAT was warming up.

My son, decked in a Miami jersey was joining in the chants of “Messi, Messi, Messi!”

As he made his way to be subbed on around the 60th minute, along with another legend of the game in Sergio Busquets, the crowd rose and cheered … I didn’t cheer, I just soaked in the atmosphere.

BMO Field is our house afterall … and seeing the crowd in their Messi jerseys,cheerkng for an opponent in a must-win match prevented me from cheering.

I don’t think I’ve ever been more intense or louder in support of TFC for a regular season match.

My good buddy Jason, who joined us for the match, said he understood why I was so fired upnunder the circumstances.

Someone aside from the supporters and ultras had to be loud in support of our Reds.

And though the Messi Circus was on full display, there were some quality moments of note for the home side.

1. Club legend Sebastian “Seba” Giovinco, who helped TFC to multiple titles, has joined the team’s front office staff. He received a rousing standing ovation in the pre-match festivities.
2. The Supporters/Ultras on the Lakeshore Terrace were fantastic showing their love of The Atomic Ant (Giovinco) and also displaying an unbelievable tifo (pics below).
3. When Lorenzo Insigne came on late in the match, he was greeted with a huge ovation as well, much to the delight of this Italian-Canadian scribe.

On that note, thanks for reading, don’t forget to subscribe to all our news, views and podcasts! Ciao for Now!