Lionel Messi was forced to exit the field prematurely during Inter Miami’s face-off against Toronto FC, citing an ‘historical injury,’ as per Coach Gerardo Martino. Concerns were also raised about Messi’s availability for the impending US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo, slated for the following Wednesday. Nevertheless, the club refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the nature of Messi’s injury.
At the 37th-minute mark, with the score deadlocked at 0-0, Messi, visibly hampered and donning a grave countenance, was substituted, with Robert Taylor taking his place. Prior to his departure, Messi transferred the captain’s armband to DeAndre Yedlin.
Adding to their misfortune, Inter Miami also suffered the loss of Jordi Alba to an injury early in the game. Despite these adversities, the squad managed to clinch an impressive 4-0 victory, with Facundo Farias and Benjamin Cremaschi contributing to the tally. Taylor, Messi’s replacement, notably netted twice during the match.
It’s pertinent to mention that Messi had already missed Miami’s previous fixture, a 5-2 defeat against Atlanta, citing fatigue. He had also been absent from Argentina’s clash against Bolivia the preceding week.
Coach Martino stressed that there was no possibility of Messi and Alba being match-ready for the upcoming fixture, remarking, “I recognize that we have a final to contest, but they won’t set foot on the pitch unless they are fully fit.” He elaborated that Messi had been grappling with an ‘historical injury’ and elucidated that the scans conducted with the national team had not unearthed any injury. However, a cautious approach had been adopted.
Martino expounded, “We do not believe it to be a muscular injury, based on my recent conversation with Messi. Nonetheless, we must exercise prudence and maintain vigilance over the situation in the ensuing days.”
Since Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in July, the team had preserved an unblemished record with him on the field, which also encompassed a recent victory in the Leagues Cup.
