In an unexpected turn of events for Tata Martino’s team, both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were forced to exit the field during Inter Miami’s MLS encounter against Toronto on Wednesday.
Jordi Alba required treatment for his right hamstring and had to leave the game just ten minutes before the first half concluded at DRV PNK Stadium.
Following Alba’s untimely exit, Lionel Messi, who was making his much-anticipated return to MLS action, displayed evident frustration as he relinquished the captain’s armband and was substituted just 37 minutes into the match. Tata Martino addressed the situation post-match, attributing Messi’s withdrawal to “fatigue.”
Manager Martino shed light on the unexpected substitutions during halftime, remarking, “The decision to substitute Messi and Jordi was necessitated by unforeseen circumstances, and we will closely assess their condition in the coming days.”
As Inter Miami looks ahead, they are preparing to face the Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final next Wednesday. Currently, Martino’s squad finds itself trailing the playoff positions by a margin of five points, with only six regular season games remaining.
It is worth noting that this marked just the eighth instance in Messi’s illustrious career, encompassing 937 starts, where he was substituted before halftime, with the last such occurrence dating back to October 2018. Messi had returned to the starting lineup after missing Miami’s 5-2 loss to Atlanta the previous Saturday, a game in which coach Martino attributed his absence to “muscle fatigue.” Messi actively participated in Tuesday’s training session and was promptly reinstated in the starting XI.
Messi had been absent from Miami’s lineup since September 4 due to international duty, missing both the Atlanta defeat and the subsequent victory over Kansas City.
Following these unplanned substitutions, Facundo Farias delivered a spectacular volley, propelling Miami into the lead, and Martino’s squad ultimately secured an emphatic 4-0 victory. Robert Taylor, who substituted for Messi, contributed with two outstanding second-half goals, while Benjamin Cremaschi also found the back of the net.
Messi was observed heading down the tunnel at DRV PNK Stadium just before halftime, walking unassisted but displaying signs of discomfort before leaving the field. His body language unmistakably conveyed that his evening had come to an abrupt end.
Martino had acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead of the game, stating, “Starting on Wednesday, we have six matches in 18 days, equating to one match every three days, including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final. We are confronted with a series of crucial matches in a condensed timeframe, and as the coach, one of my primary responsibilities is to ensure the well-being of my players and make the challenging decisions that optimize our chances of keeping everyone healthy during this taxing period.”
Inter Miami had commenced the match in the second-to-last position in the Eastern Conference, trailing the playoff spots by seven points with six regular season matches left to play.
The previous weekend witnessed disappointment for many fans who had traveled across the country to watch Messi play in Atlanta, only to discover that he had remained in Miami due to his prior commitments.
All in all
In our latest soccer update, we delve into the unexpected injury setbacks faced by soccer icons Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba during Inter Miami’s MLS showdown against Toronto. As they left the field prematurely, we explore the impact on Miami’s playoff aspirations and Tata Martino’s insights. Discover the details of their injuries, the match’s outcome, and the implications for this MLS season.
Lionel Messi:
Lionel Messi, often referred to as one of the greatest footballers of all time, was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He spent the majority of his illustrious career at Barcelona, where he won numerous titles, including numerous La Liga and UEFA Champions League trophies. In August 2021, he made a highly anticipated move to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, where he instantly became a focal point of the team.
Throughout his career, Messi has accumulated numerous individual accolades, including multiple Ballon d’Or awards, thanks to his incredible dribbling skills, playmaking abilities, and goal-scoring prowess. His arrival in MLS generated significant excitement among soccer fans worldwide, and his performances were closely watched.
Jordi Alba:
Jordi Alba, a Spanish footballer, was born on March 21, 1989, in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain. Alba is renowned for his versatility and proficiency as a left-back. He spent a significant part of his club career at Barcelona, where he formed a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi on the field. Alba’s speed, precise crossing, and defensive capabilities made him an essential part of the Barcelona squad during his tenure at the club.
In 2021, he joined Messi in making the move to MLS by signing with Inter Miami. His presence in the league added to the star power and competitiveness of the MLS. However, as with Messi, his transition to MLS came with its own set of challenges and adjustments.
Both Messi and Alba are highly respected figures in the world of football, and their performances in MLS have been closely followed by fans and pundits alike.
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