Messi and Jordi Alba suffer Inter Miami injuries in bittersweet MLS victory
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 21 Sept 2023 07:03 BST
- 3 min read
Inter Miami’s positive run with Lionel Messi in their ranks continued on Wednesday as they recorded an easy 4-0 win over Toronto in MLS, but the Argentine limped off in first-half stoppage time to give David Beckham’s improving franchise a major worry going forward.
Messi departed the field unaided after 37 minutes to be replaced by Robert Taylor, shortly after former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba had limped out of the game. The match was still scoreless at that point.
Lionel Messi at Inter Miami: Goals, assists, results & fixtures in 2023
It proved to be little impediment for Inter Miami as they went on to win the fixture comfortably, with Facundo Farias opening the scoring in first-half stoppage time before goals from Taylor (two) and Benjamin Cremaschi followed after the break.
Victory keeps Inter Miami’s playoff hopes burning, yet it was an expected success against the franchise that currently possesses the worst record in MLS.
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An early chance in the box by Messi that just misses the far post 😲😲#MIAvTOR | 0-0 pic.twitter.com/LCom6gmFgw
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 21, 2023
How serious is Messi’s injury?
Inter Miami have given little away as to the severity of Messi’s injury but given the way that he was able to walk up the tunnel without significant discomfort, it would be hoped that the Argentine would be able to return to action quickly.
Messi, after all, has made himself a star figure rapidly in MLS. In 11 appearances, he has scored 11 goals for Inter Miami and has single-handedly elevated the franchise.
The Storks were on a long winless run before Messi’s arrival, but the presence of the Argentine has coincided with an upturn in their fortunes. Not only have Miami won four of six MLS matches since Messi joined, they have also picked up their first major trophy in the form of the Leagues Cup, in which the World Cup winner’s excellence shone through.
Next up is a trip to rivals Orlando City on Sunday – a match that Messi must be considered doubtful for.
