September 21, (THEWILL) – Inter Miami could be without star players, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, for upcoming key matches after the pair were forced off with injuries in the first half of Wednesday’s 4-0 win against Toronto.
Messi was substituted after just 37 minutes in his first start since returning from international duty, in what was only the eighth time he has been taken off before halftime in his career. Alba had limped out of the game two minutes before Messi with an apparent hamstring issue.
Miami manager, Tata Martino, said after the match that Messi and Alba will definitely miss Sunday’s game against Orlando. He also cast doubt on whether Messi will be fit for the US Open Cup final next Wednesday against Houston Dynamo.
However, Martino does not believe the injuries are serious, saying: “I don’t think it’s a muscular injury. There is no chance for them to play the Orlando match, but I do not think it’s anything serious or muscle injuries. I think it is just fatigue.”
Messi’s early withdrawal was a blow for Miami, who had just welcomed him back into the starting XI after he missed the previous match with muscle fatigue. However, the team went on to secure a comfortable 4-0 victory, with a Robert Taylor brace and goals from Facundo Farias and Benjamin Cremaschi.
The win kept alive Miami’s hopes of reaching the MLS playoffs, with the team facing a grueling schedule of six games in 18 days. Securing Messi’s fitness during this period could be crucial to their chances.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
