Lionel Messi, the iconic football star who thrilled American soccer fans during his MLS debut, left the pitch early with an apparent injury during Inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC. The worrying incident occurred in the 36th minute of the game, leaving fans collectively holding their breath.

Immediate Impact

Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami had been nothing short of sensational. He led the team to a Leagues Cup victory, notching an impressive 10 goals and providing four assists in his first seven matches with the squad. The Argentinian legend had embarked on a mission to lead his team from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to a playoff berth, a stunning late-season comeback that had fans buzzing with excitement.

Recent Absences

Messi’s injury scare followed his absence from Inter Miami’s previous match against Atlanta, and he had also been held out of Argentina’s World Cup qualifier match against Bolivia earlier in the week. In both instances, Messi was sidelined due to fatigue, signaling a need for rest and recovery.

Messi’s Injury Update

As Messi left the field during Wednesday’s game, he was clearly limping, sparking concern among fans. Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino offered a brief update during halftime, stating that the club would assess the injury “as the days go by.” However, he did not provide specific details regarding the nature or severity of the injury.

Post-Injury Moments

Following his withdrawal, Messi was seen on the bench, but he eventually made his way down the tunnel before halftime. Meanwhile, on the field, Inter Miami surged ahead, leading 4-0 thanks to a remarkable performance by Robert Taylor, who replaced Messi. The victory celebrations unfolded on the pitch, but Messi was notably absent among the jubilant players.

Fatigue, Not Muscle Injury

Coach Gerardo Martino sought to reassure fans, indicating that Messi’s ailment was related to fatigue rather than a muscle injury. He emphasized that Messi and Jordi Alba had appeared healthy in recent training sessions, and their conditions were linked to prior issues. Martino explained, “It’s fatigue, and I don’t think there’s any muscle injury.”

Continuing Discomfort

This injury episode echoed a previous incident when Messi experienced discomfort in the same area during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Ecuador earlier this month in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match. Messi was substituted in the 89th minute of that game and subsequently rested for the match against Bolivia. The concern lies in Messi’s recurring discomfort, indicating that it’s a persistent issue.

Jordi Alba’s Injury

Adding to the woes of Inter Miami, Jordi Alba was also forced off the pitch just minutes before Messi. Alba, who has combined effectively with Messi since their Barcelona days, was seen limping heavily. The injuries to Messi and Alba presented a double blow to the team.

As the football world anxiously awaits updates on Lionel Messi’s condition, concerns linger about the extent of his injury and whether it could impact his future performances with Inter Miami. For now, fans can only hope for a swift recovery for the football legend as he navigates the challenges of adapting to a new league and team in Major League Soccer.