Lionel Messi's Sunday Showdown in Jeopardy as Injury Strikes

Lionel Messi was substituted in the 37th minute of Inter Miami CF's 4-0 victory over Toronto FC on Wednesday due to muscle fatigue. This occurred shortly after his former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba, also left the field. After the match, Miami coach Gerardo Martino announced that both Alba and Messi would undergo evaluations in the upcoming days. However, neither player would be fit to play against Orlando City on Sunday. Instead, they were being rested in the hope of ensuring their availability for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo the following Wednesday. Martino emphasized that there was no chance of them participating on Sunday and that they wouldn't risk playing if they weren't fully fit.

During the game, Messi and Alba didn't appear to suffer from any particularly heavy challenges or visible limping, but they clearly experienced some physical discomfort. Martino stated that they had trained normally and believed it was a case of fatigue rather than a new or worsened muscular injury, based on his recent conversation with Messi. Nevertheless, the team would continue to exercise caution and monitor their condition in the coming days.

Both Messi and Alba went directly to the bench after leaving the field. After Messi's substitution, Miami's Facundo Farías scored a goal, giving the home team a 1-0 lead at halftime. In the second half, Robert Taylor scored two remarkable goals, with Benjamin Cremaschi adding one, securing the team's victory.

Messi initially appeared energetic in the game, even having a clear opportunity to score in the 23rd minute. However, 15 minutes later, it was evident that he was struggling with some physical issues, leading to his substitution by Taylor. Alba had left the field just minutes before Messi. Toronto also made two substitutions before Messi and Alba were replaced, with Victor Vasquez and Brandon Servania both suffering injuries.

Before leaving the field, Messi was observed dealing with what seemed to be a leg problem. He was seen stretching his right leg during play, ultimately removing his captain's armband and waiting for a stoppage in play to exit the field, taking off his cleats, lowering his socks, and removing his shin guards.

Before this match, Messi had participated in 11 games for Miami, primarily in the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup competitions, accumulating 11 goals and five assists, including one goal and two assists in three MLS matches.