In a major setback for Tata Martino’s team, both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were forced from Inter Miami’s MLS match against Toronto on Wednesday.
After leaving the field at DRV PNK Stadium five minutes before the end of the first half, Alba applied ice to his right hamstring.
When he turned over the armband and was replaced just 37 minutes into his return to MLS action, Messi cut a similarly irate figure a few minutes later. It’s believed that he injured a muscle.
The 36-year-old was back in the lineup after suffering from what coach Martino characterized as “muscle fatigue” and missing the team’s 5-2 loss to Atlanta on Saturday.
Miami’s chances of making the playoffs were significantly diminished by that loss, but Messi participated fully in training on Tuesday and was immediately inserted back into the starting lineup.
Both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were forced out of Inter Miami’s MLS clash with Toronto
As he walks off the field, Messi passes the captain’s armband to DeAndre Yedlin.
Since the 4th of September, Messi had not played for Miami because he was away on international service. Because of this, Messi had missed both the team’s loss to Atlanta and their win against Kansas City.
Shortly after the double blow, Facundo Farias volleyed Miami into the lead as they attempt to keep their postseason dreams alive. Miami is looking to keep their chances of making the postseason alive.
The next thing everyone saw was Messi making his way down the tunnel at DRV PNK Stadium. He did not appear to be using any assistance while walking, but just before leaving the area, he appeared to adjust something.It was clear from the way he carried himself that he was done partying for the night.
Martino made this announcement before the game: “Beginning on Wednesday, we have six matches in 18 days, which is one match every three days, including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final,” Martino said. “We have one match every three days.”
“We have a lot of important matches in a short window of time, and one of my responsibilities as the coach is to care for my players and help them make the difficult decisions that will give us the greatest chance of keeping everyone healthy during this busy run.” “We have a lot of important matches in a short window of time, and one of my responsibilities as the coach is to care for my players and help them make the difficult decisions that will give us the
At the beginning of the game, Miami was sitting in second-last position in the Eastern Conference and trailing the playoff places by seven points with six games left in the regular season.
After traveling across the country to see their hero play in Atlanta over the past weekend, thousands of fans were left disappointed when they found out that their idol had stayed in Miami instead of traveling to Atlanta.
Messi had not played for Miami since September 4 after going on international duty
