The good news for O’Toole is his experience defending Messi, having faced the 2022 World Cup hero in an exhibition about a year ago. As O’Toole explained, Messi often drifted from the right to the middle in that game and there weren’t many opportunities for one-on-one matchups.

Lionel Messi will play his first match at iconic Yankee Stadium when Inter Miami visit slumping NYCFC in their quest for MLS silverware.

Yankee Stadium will be open to full capacity for the first time since 2016 for the New York City FC game against Miami on Saturday afternoon in anticipation of the Argentine star, who returned to action last week after a long injury layoff. A crowd of more than 40,000 is expected in the Bronx, which would be nearly double the season average.

Messi & Co are in The Bronx as New York City FC host an Inter Miami with just one win in 11 games played the two sides. A capacity crowd is expected to be in attendance for the 2 pm ET kickoff.

Lionel Messi is making his first-ever MLS appearance at Yankee Stadium and NYCFC are looking to turn things around in matchup

Superstar Lionel Messi and Inter Miami FC will continue the team's pursuit of the Supporters' Shield on Saturday afternoon when they visit struggling New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.

If you want to see Messi play — for who knows how long — last-minute tickets are still available for the Saturday match between Inter Miami FC and NYCFC. At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on tickets was $125 before fees on Vivid Seats. 100-level seats start at $146 before fees.