Ex-Toronto FC Defender, Lukas MacNaughton, Nearly Breaks Messi's Leg

In a dramatic turn of events, Lukas MacNaughton, once a rising star for Toronto FC, finds himself at the center of controversy as a member of Nashville SC in the MLS.

His recent altercation with Lionel Messi during Nashville's Concacaf Champions League debut against Inter Miami has catapulted him into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Born in New York but raised in Belgium and Toronto, MacNaughton's journey in soccer has been tumultuous. Despite coming close to representing Canada in the 2022 World Cup, he now faces notoriety as the player who nearly injured Messi with a reckless challenge.

MacNaughton's transition from collegiate soccer to the Canadian league and eventually to MLS with Toronto FC seemed promising. However, his career took an unexpected turn when he was traded to Nashville last spring as part of a deal for striker C.J. Sapong. While Sapong has since departed, MacNaughton has found himself embroiled in controversy, overshadowing his on-field performances.

Follow Toronto Reds on Facebook and stay updated with our latest posts!

Despite the recent turmoil, MacNaughton's story is one of resilience and perseverance. Beyond his soccer career, he has pursued a degree in architecture and briefly worked in the field before committing to professional soccer.

As MacNaughton continues to make waves in Nashville, it's clear that his journey is far from over. While his actions on the field have garnered attention for all the wrong reasons, he remains a talented athlete with the potential for redemption both on and off the pitch. Only time will tell how his story unfolds in the unpredictable world of professional soccer.