Lionel Messi unexpectedly left Wednesday night’s match against Toronto FC after 36 minutes, with Inter Miami FC Hub describing the issue as “muscle discomfort.”
The international star, playing his first MLS season with Inter Miami, was appearing in his first match in almost two weeks.
Although this did not appear to be serious, everything is magnified when you’re talking about the most popular player in the sport.
Lionel Messi gives the captain's armband to DeAndre Yedlin as he substituted out for Inter Miami due to injury after 36 minutes of play.
Hope Leo is okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Toa9SFsQjM
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 21, 2023
Left-back Jordi Albo also got subbed out because of an injury.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino did not shed much light on the situation in a halftime interview with Apple TV.
“They had to go out, we will evaluate them as the days go by,” Martino said.
🚨 Gerardo Tata Martino on Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba being substituted: "They had to go out, we will evaluate them as the days go by." pic.twitter.com/NimF5fhbGC
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) September 21, 2023
Messi’s move to Miami this year has boosted MLS and Inter Miami’s TV, attendance and merchandise numbers, so they can ill afford an extended absence. Many fans at the Miami-Toronto match could be seen apparently leaving after Messi’s injury.
🚨 Fans leaving as Lionel Messi is substituted out for Inter Miami. pic.twitter.com/wiJxF519MZ
— Mundo Albiceleste ⭐🌟⭐🇦🇷 (@MundoAlbicelest) September 21, 2023
Sports fans had some interesting memes and observations after Messi’s exit.
❗️Lionel Messi subbed off while having some muscle discomfort and we have two important matches within the next week with one being the cup final!! Hopefully it’s nothing serious with Messi and he can recover in time 😞😔#Messi #MLS #MIAvTOR #Intermiamicf pic.twitter.com/FPfkem6qW4
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) September 21, 2023
I hope it's a minor injury, I can't afford to watch Inter Miami without the goat 🐐 on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/t1JTcH7PnM
— Captivating Facts Hub (@icegist4) September 21, 2023
Apple TV holding their breath
— JimmyCash (@JimmyCash_DPL) September 21, 2023
Imagine paying just to see messi… i would be devastated but still i wouldnt leave 😂
— MESSI (@2BAAASQUAD) September 21, 2023
And viewership just plummeted by 2 million
— Droid Logik (@DroidLogik) September 21, 2023
He’s frustrated, but Goat 🐐 you need rest. We have a final coming up in a few days.
— Messi Goat (@Simplisticqtt) September 21, 2023
[ESPN FC]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.