Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are at risk of being unavailable for the U.S. Open Cup Final against Houston Dynamo next week, as they sustained apparent injuries on Wednesday night.
The Argentine maestro had to leave the pitch in the 37th minute during Inter Miami’s victory over Toronto FC.
The 36 years old was seen moving cautiously on the field before being substituted for Robert Taylor.
According to repots , he stretched his right leg around midfield before exiting the contest.
Messi handed his captain’s armband to team-mate DeAndre Yedlin upon his departure, leaving fans inside DRV PNK Stadium disappointed
He wasn’t the only Inter Miami star to leave the game against Toronto FC injured. Jordi Alba also limped off three minutes before Messi’s exit.
Inter Miami’s primary concern is the health of Messi and Alba, who both missed the previous game against Atlanta United. Messi’s absence was due to muscle fatigue.
The decision to field both of them just days later against Toronto proved to be a risk that didn’t pay off, putting Messi and Alba at risk of facing a longer period of absence.
Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino spoke to Apple TV about the injuries during halftime, saying, “They had to come out; we will evaluate them in the coming days.”
At the post-match press conference, he provided more details about the injuries, saying: “Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba felt like they were ready to play today, but fatigue got the better of them with the discomfort they had. We don’t think it’s anything major in terms of injury.”
Messi and Alba are currently racing against the clock to recover in time for the US Open Cup Final against Houston on September 27.
Their expertise will play a crucial role in the match, as Inter Miami aims to clinch their second title of the year.