Toronto FC's Absences for Their Final MLS 2024 Match
• John Herdman’s squad faces numerous absences, with final lineup decisions expected to be made last minute.
• Lionel Messi will play at BMO Field for the first time as Toronto FC wraps up their MLS season.
By Oscar Cortes
A much-anticipated moment has arrived for Toronto FC fans, although it comes under less than ideal circumstances. Toronto FC will play their final MLS match of the season in a challenging fixture against Inter Miami at BMO Field.
The match is expected to be a tough one, as Inter Miami, firmly established as one of the best teams in MLS and already qualified for the playoffs, will not be taking it easy.
However, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Lionel Messi, making his debut appearance at BMO Field after missing previous opportunities to play in the stadium. Despite the high stakes, here are some of the key absences for Toronto FC ahead of this crucial match.
READ MORE: Preview for Toronto FC’s Final Match of the MLS Season
Toronto FC’s Potential Absences Against Inter Miami
Toronto FC may face the challenge of being without seven players for this match. Three players are confirmed to miss the game, while four others are listed as questionable. One of the biggest names missing is Federico Bernardeschi, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the match against New York Red Bulls. Additionally, Kevin Long and Kosi Thompson will be unavailable due to injuries.
Meanwhile, the four questionable players include Nicksoen Gomis, Lorenzo Insigne, Raoul Petretta, and Henry Wingo. It remains to be seen if John Herdman will take a cautious approach with these players, prioritizing their long-term health, or give them crucial minutes in Toronto FC’s final match of the season.
It’s important to note that Toronto FC’s playoff hopes are slim, as they rely heavily on the outcomes of other teams’ results, making it an uphill battle for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
On the other hand, Inter Miami also comes into this match with four players ruled out and one player questionable. However, this is unlikely to impact the visitors significantly, as their star players, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, will be available for selection.
The game promises to be a competitive one, with Toronto FC aiming to put on a strong performance in front of their home crowd and end the season on a positive note. Despite the team’s current challenges, they hope to show their fans that they are still a competitive squad, ready to come back stronger next season.