Where to watch Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC live stream, TV channel, lineups, prediction for Leagues Cup 2024 match | Sporting News Canada

Inter Miami continue the quest to defend their Leagues Cup title as they meet Toronto FC in the Round of 32 at home on Thursday.

Lionel Messi has not been healthy enough to see the field for the Herons to this point after suffering a nasty ankle injury in the Copa America final, but his side was able to reach the knockout stage despite his absence. They now embark on the knockout journey needing to reel off five consecutive victories to lift the trophy a second straight season.

It’s expected that Messi will return at some point in that quest as long as Inter Miami are still alive, but it’s unclear exactly when that may be. For now, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba must hold down the fort with the rest of the squad.

Toronto FC came into the Leagues Cup in poor league form, but they won their East division group by securing five points over their two wins, bagging a penalty shootout win over the New York Red Bulls before defeating Liga MX side Pachuca.

MORE: Find out which Leagues Cup games are streaming free on MLS Season pass from Apple TV

Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC live stream, TV channel

TV channel: None
Live stream: MLS Season Pass from Apple TV

The Round of 32 match between Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC will be streamed around the globe exclusively on MLS Season Pass from Apple TV. All Leagues Cup games are broadcast live on MLS Season Pass through the entirety of the competition.

The match was not selected for the free-to-air schedule, and thus it will be only accessible to subscribers.

What time is Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC kickoff?

This Leagues Cup Round of 32 match kicks off from Chase Stadium on Thursday, August 8 at 7:30 p.m. local time in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Here’s how that time translates across the time zones in North America:

Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC lineups & team news

It’s unclear when Lionel Messi will return from his ankle injury suffered in the Copa America final, but Gaston Edul reported that the Argentine great is aiming to be back for Argentina’s pair of World Cup qualifiers in early September, and thus will be aiming to return at some point this month.

Tata Martino rested Sergio Busquets and David Ruiz in the group finale against Tigres, but both should return in the knockout stage. Luis Suarez was not in the squad but is training in full and should also make the squad.

Nicolas Freire and Facundo Farias are both missing with ACL tears, but the latter could make his way back towards the end of this season if Inter Miami progress towards the postseason.

Inter Miami projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Callender (GK) — Weigandt, Aviles, H.Martinez, Alba — Rojas, Busquets, Redondo — Gressel, Suarez, Taylor.

Toronto FC has its Canadian internationals back from Copa America duty, as Jonathan Osorio and Richie Laryea are in full swing for Toronto FC. 

Absent due to injury are Brandon Servania (ACL), Tyrese Spicer (back), and Alonso Coello (hamstring), but all are expected to return at some point in the near future.

Toronto FC projected starting lineup (3-5-3): S. Johnson (GK) — Gomis, Long, Petretta — Bernardeschi, K. Thompson, Longstaff, Laryea — Osorio, Etienne, Insigne.

Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC prediction, betting odds & lines

• Score prediction: Inter Miami 3-2 Toronto FC

These two sides are both highly proficient in the attack, but Inter Miami are much stronger at home than on the road. Toronto FC have struggled mightily this season defensively, and the Herons should be able to find enough goals to advance.