After Lionel Messi suffered an injury and was substituted during the first half of Inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC, troubling footage of the Argentine has emerged. Messi, who has had a sensational start to his MLS career, might face some time on the sidelines. He had to leave the field after just 37 minutes, coincidentally following the withdrawal of his teammate Jordi Alba.
A viral video circulating on social media shows a visibly distraught Messi on the bench, expressing his frustration, possibly indicating a setback. Concerned fans took to social media to express their worry for the World Cup winner. One fan wrote, “Hope it’s not very serious and he gets well soon. Vamos Leo Messi.” Another posted, “It is not looking good bro, while this user said: “He looks gutted,” accompanied by a sad face emoji.
Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, addressed Messi and Alba’s injuries, confirming that both players will miss the team’s upcoming game against Orlando City, who currently hold the second position in the Eastern Conference.
Martino stated, “There is no chance they will be there on Sunday,” the coach told reporters. “But I do not think there is anything serious or muscle injuries. I think it is just fatigue. I know we have a final to play [on Wednesday] but they won’t go near the pitch if they can’t play.”
“It wasn’t part of the plan. I wouldn’t say it was anything new or more serious than what was there before. I don’t think there are any muscular injuries and we will take it day by day.”
Regarding Messi’s absence from the recent World Cup Qualifier with Argentina due to fatigue, it remains unclear what specific injury he may have sustained.
However, Miami hopes he can recover in time for the US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo next Thursday. Miami’s schedule includes a match against Orlando on Sunday, followed by matches against New York City FC on September 30, an away game at Chicago on October 4, and a home match against Cincinnati on October 7, which Messi hopes to participate in.
Martino further explained, “The scans [Messi] had with the national team, they didn’t show any injury. We still saved him to be safe.”
“We don’t think he has a muscular injury. That’s also from a conversation I just had with him. But we have to continue being careful. We’ll look at it the next few days.”
When Messi and Alba exited the field, the score was tied at 0-0, but their teammates rallied to secure a resounding 4-0 victory against a struggling Toronto side. Robert Taylor scored twice, while Facundo Farias and Benjamin Cremaschi also added to the scoresheet in a comprehensive win.
Since Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in July, the club hasn’t suffered a defeat in any of the 11 matches he has played. The team has climbed to the 13th position in the Eastern Conference and is currently five points behind DC United, who occupy the final Playoff spot and have played two more games.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
This season he played in total 4 times for 247 minutes for Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured twice assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 13th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami won 4-0 against Toronto.
Inter Miami performance and stats
Inter Miami is currently 13th in the Major League Soccer with 31 points.
In the last 28 games, it has won 9 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 15 times. In its last match, Inter Miami won 4-0 against Toronto.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 36 goals and conceding 44.
Inter Miami will play the next match in Major League Soccer against Orlando City on Sunday 24th of September in Orlando. The prediction is Orlando City winning the match.