Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami’s starting 11 in an MLS matchup against Toronto FC, but was subbed off the pitch just 37 minutes in, giving his captain armband to DeAndre Yedlin
Lionel Messi was subbed off the pitch just 37 minutes into Inter Miami’s MLS matchup against Toronto FC.
Messi was notably absent from the lineup in Miami’s recent match against Atlanta United, which ended in a 5-2 loss. After the Atlanta United game, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino revealed that Messi could not play due to muscle fatigue. This raised concerns about his availability for Wednesday night.
Fullback Jordi Alba had also rested during the previous weekend’s game, leaving doubts about whether or not the pair would participate in the Toronto match. Alba started in the game against Toronto but was substituted three minutes before Messi, who appeared to make the decision to leave the game on his own. The Apple TV broadcast did note it appeared Messi had a slight limp and Alba was seen icing his hamstring.
Messi was replaced during the game by Robert Taylor and moved to the Miami bench. While sitting on the bench, he was observed stretching his right hamstring, causing concern for his well-being. This prompted Inter Miami fans to become visibly upset and eventually exit the stadium early.