Messi is not the first world star to draw a crowd here. David Beckham, now co-owner of the Miami franchise, was always a star attraction at BMO Field when he played for the Los Angeles Galaxy from 2007 to 2012. Injuries and international duty, however, limited the England star’s appearances north of the border.

Miami started with all their big-name stars, including Lionel Messi, on the bench but the Argentine was introduced in the 61st minute to the delight of many in the Toronto crowd.