Minutes ago, Inter Miami tore up Toronto with a commanding victory during their MLS clash. But the spotlight quickly shifted to their two stars, Lionel Messi and his teammate Jordi Alba, who both were forced to leave the pitch prematurely. While everyone is concerned about the duo, the Herons’ head coach just updated the fanbase with some bitter-sweet news. Could it turn out to be a blessing in the long run?
Despite the absence of the Argentine World Cup winner and Barcelona’s former marquee defender, Inter Miami clinched a convincing victory at DRV PNK Stadium. But their win was marred by the early exit of their star players.
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will miss the next clash
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In the previous match, Inter Miami manager Tata Martino decided to rest both Messi and Alba due to fatigue. Although they managed to recharge their energy, both started the game against Toronto. However, despite taking the necessary precautions, the duo was forced to head towards the tunnel before the first half ended. Both of them witnessed Inter Miami clinch a 4-0 victory against the visitors from the touchline.
Following the match, Tata Martino was asked about the players’ health update. Unfortunately, the former River Plate manager had bittersweet news. He said, “There is no chance for them to play the Orlando match, but I do not think there is anything serious or muscle injuries. I think it is just fatigue.”
The good news is that neither Lionel Messi nor Alba were seriously injured; they were substituted due to fatigue. However, the bad news is that they won’t be available for the next match against Orlando. Indeed, this news leaves the Herons in a tense situation. They are already striving for the playoffs, and the absence of these stars may have consequences.
Tata Martino on Messi and Alba being injured:
“There is no chance for them to play the Orlando match, but I do not think there is anything serious or muscle injuries. I think it is just fatigue.” pic.twitter.com/0FKHtFL2o0
— MLS Moves (@MLSMoves) September 21, 2023
Moreover, it may be a blessing if they miss the Orlando game because they are scheduled to play in the US Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo afterward. Let’s hope they will be available for that. As for the next MLS game, Martino will be relying on his other players who displayed a commanding performance in today’s win.
Inter Miami thrashed Toronto without their GOAT
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Even without Messi and Alba, Miami managed to secure an exciting victory. Notably, Martino’s team showed promising signs shortly after both star players left the field. They concluded the first half with a narrow lead as Facundo Farias broke the deadlock. As the second half began, Robert Taylor joined Farias on the scoresheet. Interestingly, Messi’s replacement found the back of the net in the 54th minute, with an assist from Alba’s substitute, Allen.
+3️⃣ against Toronto#MIAvTOR pic.twitter.com/RL6mZrNwR5
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 21, 2023
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Benjamin Cremaschi added a third goal for Miami in the 73rd minute, thanks to an assist from Taylor. Perhaps Messi had transferred his abilities to Taylor for the day, as the forward was exceptional on the pitch. He also scored Miami’s fourth goal in the 87th minute. The Finnish star completed a brace with an assist from the previous goal-scorer Farias. The final whistle sounded, securing a flawless victory for the Herons. Indeed, it’s good to see Miami cope with the absence of their GOAT. What were your thoughts on the game?
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