Record crowd watches Messi's Inter Miami in World Cup dress rehearsal at Toronto's BMO Field

Toronto's BMO Field buzzed with an unprecedented energy Saturday as a record crowd of nearly 45,000 fans packed the venue for a Major League Soccer clash between Toronto FC and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. This high-profile match was more than just a game; it was a critical dress rehearsal for Toronto as it gears up to host several matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The sheer magnitude of the event, amplified by the global allure of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, offered a tangible preview of the atmosphere and logistical challenges expected during the World Cup. City officials, including Mayor Olivia Chow, viewed the weekend's sporting events, which also included Toronto Blue Jays games and a 10K race, as vital opportunities to test and refine operational plans. From managing fan ingress and egress to optimizing transit services, every aspect was under scrutiny.

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This weekend will serve as a real life test run with a number of high attendance sporting events in town.

Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of the World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat, emphasized the value of the match as a live test for various city divisions, emergency services, transit agencies, and venue operators. The experience gained from handling such a large crowd is invaluable for ensuring a smooth and secure experience for the hundreds of thousands of visitors anticipated during the tournament. The stadium itself, recently upgraded with $158 million in renovations including new temporary seating to meet World Cup capacity standards, was also put through its paces.

While the temporary seating drew some online criticism regarding safety concerns, fans on Saturday seemed unfazed, enjoying the views of Lake Ontario. Metrolinx, the regional transit authority, also used the game to test increased service frequency and crowd management measures, anticipating a significant surge in ridership during the World Cup. This meticulously planned test run underscores Toronto's commitment to delivering a world-class experience for the global event, showcasing its capability to host major international sporting spectacles.

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This weekend’s match is a valuable opportunity for city divisions, emergency services, transit agencies, venue operators and other partners to work together in a live event setting, to test and refine as required before the matches begin.