Inter Miami star forward Lionel Messi exited the Wednesday match against visiting Toronto FC in the 37th minute due to what coach Gerardo Martino called muscle fatigue.
Jordi Alba also left the match at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., two minutes before Messi while reaching for his hamstring, with Martino calling that muscle fatigue, as well.
The injuries could be carryovers from earlier ailments, as both players sat out Miami’s match against Atlanta United on Saturday with what the team termed at the time muscle fatigue.
Martino added that neither player would play Sunday against Orlando City, as the club will evaluate them day by day.
The injury-filled opening half also saw two Toronto FC players leave with injury — Victor Vazquez in the 12th minute and Brandon Servania in the 26th. Miami won the match 4-0.
Messi had three shots (one on target) prior to exiting and had a sight at goal in the 23rd minute. Facundo Farias sent a cross to Messi at the near post, and Messi’s right-footed touch put the ball over the net.
Playing in his 12th match as a member of Inter Miami, Messi has 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions (regular-season play, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup). Miami is 8-0-4 when he has taken the pitch.
The U.S. Open Cup final is scheduled for Sept. 27 in Fort Lauderdale.
–Field Level Media
