Tickets to watch Lionel Messi in Toronto are cheaper than ever

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF are coming to Toronto this Saturday, and surprisingly, tickets to see one of the world's greatest players are cheaper than they've been in years.

Inter Miami is set to face Toronto FC at the BMO Field on Saturday afternoon in what will be Messi's first match in Toronto since the two sides played to a 1-1 draw last September.

Given Messi's global star power, demand to watch him play is always high wherever he goes, but unlike previous visits, resale prices aren't too bad.

Although the match is officially sold out on Ticketmaster, dozens of resale tickets remain available on third-party platforms like SeatGeek and TickPick.

There are more than 60 listings for Toronto FC's match against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF under C$200. (Screenshot/SeatGeek)

At the time of publication, fans could still get into Saturday's game for under C$130 to watch one of the greatest players from this generation in what could be one of his final trips to Toronto.

And, as of now, Messi is healthy and expected to play.

For comparison, the cheapest ticket to watch Messi's previous match at BMO Field last September was around C$200. This time, SeatGeek shows more than 60 ticket listings below that price point.

To no surprise, prices do jump significantly in the lower bowl, where the cheapest resale seats are currently listed around C$300 each.

Saturday will be Messi's third appearance in Toronto since joining Inter Miami and the MLS on a record-setting deal back in 2023. Toronto FC has managed one draw and one loss against Messi's side during those previous home matches.

A look at the best value tickets for Saturday's Messi match at BMO Field. (Screenshot/SeatGeek)

Interestingly enough, Messi is yet to score in Toronto. Though that could change on Saturday, given his recent form.

The 38-year-old has recorded eight goals in 10 MLS appearances this season and has been especially active lately, recording 17 shots over his last three matches.

One reason ticket prices may be lower than in previous years is the increased stadium capacity at BMO Field. The stadium added roughly 17,000 temporary seats ahead of next month's FIFA World Cup. Saturday's game will mark only the second time these seats are open to fans.

Another factor could be Ontario's new Bill 97, legislation which bans reselling tickets above face value.

Either way, BMO Field is expected to be electric on Saturday afternoon with a record 45,000 fans expected in the stands for this marquee matchup.