Lionel Messi injury update: Inter Miami star subbed off in first half vs Toronto FC

21.09.2023, 04:16 sportingnews.com

Lionel Messi has thrilled American soccer fans during his MLS debut. But on Wednesday, all those fans are collectively holding their breath as he was forced to leave the game early with an apparent injury.

During the 36th minute of Inter Miami's match against Toronto FC, Messi was seen walking off the pitch with an apparent leg injury, appearing to be walking with a limp.

Messi has made an immediate impact since he signed with Inter Miami. He led the team to a Leagues Cup victory, notching 10 goals and four assists during the team's seven matches. During regular season play, he has added a goal and two assists in three matches, including helping lead the team to a stunning 3-1 upset over Los Angeles FC.

Here's everything you need to know about Messi's injury on Wednesday.

MORE: Highlights and updates from Inter Miami's match vs Toronto FC with Messi injured

⚠️ El Momento Preocupante ⚠️Lionel Messi removed his armband and was substituted in the first half — a worrying sight in general but specially ahead of next Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup final.#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2Y4PEOARkn— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo)

Messi could be seen leaving Wednesday's game with an apparent leg injury, appearing to limp to the sideline. There was no immediate update as to the nature of Messi's exact injury.

Messi had missed Inter Miami's last match against Atlanta on Saturday, and had also been held out of Argentina's World Cup qualifier match against Bolivia earlier in the week. For both absences, Messi was cited as having had fatigue.

🥺 pic.twitter.com/2AX5qj8kZU— Messi World (@M10GOAT)

Speaking to the Apple TV broadcast at halftime, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino said they are taking the injury "as the days go by" but did not provide more information.

“We’ll evaluate it as the days go by,” says Tata Martino to @soyantosports when asked about the Messi and Alba injuries.— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1)

It's unclear to what extent Lionel Messi is injured is, but with such a heavy fixture list coming up for Inter Miami, he could be at risk of missing some time in the near future, even if it turns out his problem isn't too serious.

Inter Miami have six matches remaining in the MLS regular season, chasing a playoff spot and needing points from each game left.

Also, even more critically, the U.S. Open Cup final looms in a week, with an opportunity to win another trophy fast approaching.