Lionel Messi Leaves Match with Fatigue, Inter Miami Secures Victory

Soccer sensation Lionel Messi returned to the field after a two-week absence on Wednesday night, but his comeback was short-lived. The Argentine World Cup champion and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner started in the match against Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium but played only 37 minutes before exiting the field.

Messi’s recent absence from the sport was attributed to either a right leg injury or fatigue, stemming from an intense schedule that began in late July. He had missed two of Inter Miami’s games and participated in just one of Argentina’s two World Cup qualifying matches this month.

Inter Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, disclosed that Messi had been evaluated for an injury during his time with the Argentina national team, but scans had not revealed any significant injury. However, during the match against Toronto FC, Messi displayed discomfort and was seen stretching his right leg after making an attempt on the net, which ultimately led to his departure from the game.

Martino stated, “He had an old injury that had been bothering him. The scans he 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. And we’ll look at it the next few days.”

Both Messi and Jordi Alba, who also left the match early, are considered day-to-day for future games.

Inter Miami’s upcoming match is against Orlando City SC on Sunday, with their focus set on the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo FC on September 27.

Inter Miami has embarked on a demanding schedule, including six matches in 17 days, beginning with the Toronto match. Coach Martino confirmed that Messi and Alba would not play in the upcoming match against Orlando City but expressed optimism that their absence was due to fatigue rather than serious injuries.

Despite Messi’s early exit, Inter Miami secured a 4-0 victory against Toronto FC, with Facundo Farías, Robert Taylor, and Benjamin Cremaschi among the goal-scorers.

Messi, who recently settled a lawsuit with ESPN/Disney, had previously missed two matches with Inter Miami and one with the Argentina national team. His return to the field was eagerly anticipated, although his limited playing time raised questions about his overall fitness and availability for future matches.

Inter Miami, currently with 28 points through 27 games, remains in contention for a spot in the MLS playoffs but cannot afford additional losses as the season progresses. Messi’s presence has been a key factor in the team’s performance, and his role in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final on September 27 is eagerly awaited by fans.

As Inter Miami faces a hectic schedule ahead, the team will balance their efforts in the MLS playoff race with their pursuit of a second championship, following their Leagues Cup title victory in July.

In addition to their MLS matches, Inter Miami has the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final on the horizon, with the opportunity to secure another trophy with Messi as a pivotal figure.