For a country that hasn't always been at the forefront of footballing conversation, Canada has an incredible history of hosting some of the game's biggest stars.
The World Cup's current co-Golden Boot leader, Argentine Lionel Messi has graced Canadian shores on several occasions with Inter Miami, as did three-time World Cup winner Pelé with the New York Cosmos.
Diego Maradona famously played an exhibition match alongside his brother with Toronto Italia in 1996. Johan Cruyff played several games in Canada during his time in the NASL, as did German sweeper Franz Beckenbauer. Michel Platini played an exhibition match against the Toronto Blizzard while with Juventus in 1983.
The star-studded 2007 U-20 World Cup, hosted in Canada, brought the likes of Sergio Aguëro, Ángel Di María, Gerard Piqué, Luis Suárez and Marcelo.
On Thursday in Toronto, another behemoth of world football will join that list, as Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal take on Croatia in the 2026 World Cup's round of 32.
Ronaldo has, technically, played in Toronto before; his Real Madrid played a friendly there in 2009. However, the stakes of that contest pale in comparison to a World Cup knockout match.
Unlike past visits from legendary players, Ronaldo comes to Canada for a game which could have a big impact on his legacy. This is no exhibition, or club match coming late in a storied career.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo, will face former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modrić. For one of these two legends of the game, it will almost certainly be their final World Cup match.
With those being the stakes, it promises to be an incredible atmosphere down by the Lakeshore, as the city's vibrant Portuguese and Croatian communities intertwine.
Modrić himself hit a major milestone in Toronto earlier in the tournament, when he played his 200th match for Croatia against Panama.
Perhaps Ronaldo could add his own personal milestone to that list, as he still has not scored in a World Cup knockout match. As the only player to score in six different World Cup tournaments, he has a big missing piece on his illustrious résumé.
As Toronto prepares to say goodbye to the 2026 World Cup, the city will host one final spectacle. It promises to be another extraordinary night.
