For over two decades, soccer’s greatest minds have grappled with one eternal puzzle: How do you stop Lionel Messi? The Argentine wizard has dismantled defenses worldwide with his mesmerizing dribbles, pinpoint passes, and lethal finishes. But ahead of Toronto FC’s pivotal showdown with Inter Miami this Saturday, the Canadian club is rolling out a bold, unconventional tactic—unleashing a “fake Messi” from their own storied past.
Enter Sebastian Giovinco, the pint-sized powerhouse once dubbed “The Atomic Ant.” This MLS legend and former MVP hasn’t laced up for a competitive match since 2022, but Toronto has dusted him off as a club ambassador and thrust him into training sessions. The goal? To replicate Messi’s magic and give the team a taste of what awaits them at BMO Field.
Giovinco’s resume speaks volumes: 83 goals in a Toronto shirt, guiding the Reds to two MLS Cup finals and a Concacaf Champions League showdown. His explosive playstyle—lightning-quick footwork, audacious free kicks, and unerring vision—made him a nightmare for opponents during his prime. Toronto coach Robin Fraser couldn’t hide his excitement when speaking to The Canadian Press about the 38-year-old’s cameo.
“I can’t think of a better person to give us a feel for what Messi would be like,” Fraser said. “Seba was the Messi of this league before Messi actually came to this league.” Even without match fitness, Giovinco’s sparks of brilliance shone through. “He just has moments of genius,” Fraser added. “Every time I see him do something, like some of the passes he pulled off today, it just kind of makes me smile because it reminds me of the times when we were here and Seba was at the peak of his game—he was, in a lot of ways, untouchable.”
Giovinco’s arrival in MLS back in 2015 was a game-changer. At just 27, he swapped Juventus for Toronto, shattering the stereotype of Designated Players as aging stars seeking a cushy retirement. Teaming up with U.S. internationals Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, he orchestrated Toronto’s golden era. The pinnacle came in 2017 with a historic treble: MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and Canadian Championship. Those glory days feel distant now, as Toronto has endured four straight playoff misses and a dismal early exit from contention in 2025.
But with the season winding down, Fraser’s squad is eyeing redemption in their final home game. Stuck in a rut of six consecutive draws, they’re desperate for an upset against Messi’s star-studded Inter Miami. Channeling Giovinco’s Messi-like flair in practice could be the spark they need to turn the tide.
“We see ourselves creating a few more chances every game, and the chances are getting better,” Fraser noted optimistically. “I really feel like it’s a growth process, and we’re watching the team really mature week after week.” If Toronto can harness that “Atomic Ant” energy, Saturday might just deliver a plot twist worthy of Messi’s own highlight reel.