Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were both substituted due to muscle fatigue during Inter Miami CF’s 4-0 victory over Toronto FC on Wednesday. This occurred in the 37th minute, shortly after they had started the game following their absence from the previous match against Atlanta United FC.
Despite not being visibly injured or involved in heavy challenges, both players seemed physically uncomfortable. They went straight to the bench after leaving the field. After their substitutions, Facundo Farias scored a goal, giving Miami a 1-0 lead at halftime. Robert Taylor later scored two remarkable goals, and Benjamin Cremaschi added another, securing the win for Inter Miami.
Coach Gerardo Martino stated that Messi and Alba would be evaluated in the coming days but confirmed that neither player would be available for the upcoming match against Orlando City on Sunday. The priority was to ensure they were fit for the U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo next Wednesday.
Martino stated, “There is no chance they will be there on Sunday. I know we have a final to play [next Wednesday], but they won’t go near the pitch if they can’t play. They trained normally, and we felt like they were ready to play. I don’t believe it’s anything new or anything worse than what they had before. It’s fatigue. I don’t think they’re muscular injuries.”
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Messi initially appeared lively in the match and had a promising chance in the 23rd minute. However, it became evident 15 minutes later that he was struggling due to a physical issue, leading to his substitution. Alba left the game just four minutes before Messi.
Toronto FC also made two substitutions before Messi and Alba’s departures, with Victor Vasquez forced off in the 12th minute due to injury. His replacement, Brandon Servania, also left the game with an apparent knee injury.
Messi was seen dealing with a leg issue before coming off. He stretched during play, removed his captain’s armband, and waited for a stoppage in play to depart, even unlacing his cleats and removing his shin guards on the field.
Prior to this match, Messi had missed two previous matches, one for Inter Miami and another for the Argentine national team, due to fatigue. He was not available for comment after Wednesday’s match. Inter Miami faced a demanding schedule with six matches in 17 days, which likely contributed to their fatigue issues.
The result of the match left Inter Miami five points behind D.C. United for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with two matches in hand.
Messi had an impressive record of 11 goals and five assists in his 11 appearances for Inter Miami, primarily in Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup competitions. He had also contributed with one goal and two assists in three MLS matches.