Multiple fans stormed the field during Messi's return to Toronto

To say that Toronto soccer fans were excited about Lionel Messi returning to the city this weekend is an understatement. 

The city was buzzing on Saturday as Messi took the field with Inter Miami for an MLS regular-season match against Toronto FC. A raucous crowd packed into BMO Field to get a glimpse of the soccer legend, and he didn't disappoint. 

Messi notched a goal and two assists in the match, helping Miami to a 4-2 victory over Toronto. That was not all that the Argentinian superstar was busy with on the field, as he also had to deal with multiple pitch invaders trying to get an up-close look at him. 

In total, there were four fans who stormed the field at various points during the match. The first wound up getting nearly face-to-face with Messi before slipping and getting swarmed by security. 

Pitch invader in Toronto! Fan doesn’t quite stick the landing trying to say hey to Messi. pic.twitter.com/bwmlqSNsSb

— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) May 9, 2026

If that wasn't enough, there was a second pitch invader soon after who attempted to get as close to the soccer legend as possible. There doesn't appear to be a clear video of this second attempt. 

One of the four pitch invaders actually filmed himself during his attempt and shared the video on social media afterwards. It's unknown which of the four fans he was.

An Instagram post from one of the four pitch invaders yesterday during the Lionel Messi game in Toronto.

The man didn't get close to Messi.

📹: shabir_parwani_10/IG pic.twitter.com/MiXVAnN2kB

— Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) May 10, 2026

There was then a blitz in injury time, as two fans ran onto the field at the same time at the end of the game. Perhaps the plan was to overwhelm security, but that didn't work, as both were apprehended quickly and didn't get very close to Messi at all. 

Security was on the ball during this one. 

It’s absolute CHAOS here at BMO Field in injury time.

Security has had their hands full with FOUR pitch invaders trying to get close to Messi.#TFC pic.twitter.com/dDp9VL7teI

— Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) May 9, 2026

Things also got a bit out of hand outside the stadium as well, as fans broke through a security barrier before the game. 

Fans are going crazy for Lionel Messi…

They’ve broken through security barriers at BMO Field just to catch a glimpse of him.

Inter Miami CF plays Toronto FC today in #MLS action. pic.twitter.com/omHJg5co0n

— Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) May 9, 2026

This was just the second time that Messi has played in Toronto, and the first time he started a game at BMO Field. Getting to see Messi play in Canada is a rare occasion, as it has only happened a total of five times, all of which have come since 2024.

Miami's next game in Canada is scheduled to go in Montreal on July 25, but it's not confirmed if Messi will make an appearance during that match.