Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said the club will evaluate the situation of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba after both were injured in the match against Toronto FC in the early morning of September 21.

Messi made his first appearance for the team since the international break but soon stopped playing due to overload and fatigue. The 2022 FIFA World Cup champion rested in the last two matches of the Miami team when coach Martino gave him a break from the harsh schedule of both club and national team.

Although very tired, the Argentine legend returned to Inter Miami ‘s starting lineup to face Toronto at DRV PNK Stadium. Fans were excited to see the legendary striker return and take on the role of captain. Unfortunately, his performance ended earlier than expected.

Lionel Messi had a health problem in the 37th minute and Robert Taylor replaced him. This happened just 3 minutes after Alba was also injured and was replaced by Noah Allen.

Messi could not try to continue playing and had to leave the field in the 37th minute. Photo: GETTY.

Faced with the concern of many people, coach Martino had to speak to the press in the middle of the match and when asked about the situation of the two Barcelona icons, he answered via Albiceleste Talk: “Messi and Jordi Alba have to go . ” yard. Those are two unexpecteԀ changes. We will assess their situation in the coming days. Looking at their faces, I think this is a serious ιnjury.”

Messi scored the decisive goal in Argentina’s 1-0 defeat of Ecuador in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers on September 8. But he missed La Albiceleste’s 3-0 win over Bolivia four days later.

The 7-time Golden Ball award winner appeared in the US Professional League (MLS) with an impressive performance when he scored 11 goals and 5 assists in 12 matches in all competitions for Inter Miami. Therefore, fans are praying that Messi’s ιnjury is not too serious when they will soon face Orlando City in the MLS match on September 25 and Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final on September 28. .

Star Jordi Alba left the field early in Miami’s 4-0 victory over Toronto FC. Photo: GETTY.

Meanwhile, veteran Alba has also left an impression since joining Inter Miami in the summer. He scored 2 goals and 2 assists in 11 matches. The extent of his ιnjury is still unknown.

Coach Martino commented on the health situation of both Messi and Alba before the September 25 match with ESPN): “Messi and Jordi Alba will participate in our full training session, and then the coaching staff will consider whether they are both ready to play or to what extent.”

It is important to know that Lionel Messi has rarely been substituted off the field throughout his great career. And coach Martino’s decision to let him return soon after missing the match against Argentina due to health problems may not have been correct because he had not yet recovered.

Messi has rarely been substituted throughout his career, except in cases of serious ιnjury. Photo: GETTY.

However, former MLS star Hercules Gomez called coach Martino’s decision to start Lionel Messi in the match against Toronto important. But after Messi had to leave the field, the veteran LA Galaxy striker did not think the Argentina captain would play in the next match against Orlando.

Hercules Gomez posted on his personal page: “Mr. Tata Martino’s decision to let ace Messi play was not wrong, but he was unlucky. It seems that Messi will not be able to play in the match against Orlando City. Too bad for him. Inter Miami is missing their superstar striker and hopes he will return when they clаsh with Houston Dynamo.”