Lionel Messi substituted for Inter Miami: is Messi injured?

The Herons’ captain and teammate Jordi Alba were both taken off in the first half of the MLS game against Toronto FC.

William Gittins

William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Sep 20th, 2023 21:55 EDT

Lionel Messi substituted amid fitness concerns

CARMEN MANDATOAFP

Inter Miami suffered two first half fitness concerns in the MLS fixture against Toronto FC, losing both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba in the opening 40 minutes.

The former Barcelona duo had missed the Herons’ previous fixture against Atlanta United due to fitness concerns. Inter Miami’s incredible form in the cup competitions has meant that they have played a lot of matches in their first months in the league.

However both players trained with the team on Tuesday and were deemed fit enough to start against Toronto. Jordi Alba made it to the half hour mark before being withdrawn, Messi joined him on the sidelines just minutes later.

Tata Martino On Apple TV on Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba“They had to leave the game, we will evaluate them during the week.”Translated from Spanish Messi and Alba were not supposed to come off in the first half per Tata. #MLS #MLSSeasonPass #InterMiamiCF #Intermiami

— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) September 21, 2023

What is Lionel Messi’s injury?

At this stage it is not clear exactly what Messi’s issue is. The Miami captain had looked lively in the opening stages, going close to scoring on multiple occasions.

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