Ticked: Clip summary of the day's sports events, 20.9/Sport1
After being absent in recent weeks due to commitments to the Argentina national team, Leo Messi returned to play for Inter Miami on Wednesday night - and endured a frustrating evening for him. The Flea started in the line-up but was substituted in the 37th minute due to injury, appearing to be in pain. Teammate Jordi Alba had also been injured, but that didn't stop Miami from beating Toronto 0-4 and maintaining a decent chance of making the playoffs.
Immediately after Messi's exit from the pitch, Toronto fans began to leave the stands in droves, and many did not see the visitor's show, which included goals from Facundo Frias in extra time of the first half, Robert Taylor (54 and 87) and Benjamin Kramsky (73).
Messi and Alba did not go out to celebrate the victory with their teammates nor sat on the bench after being substituted, and Miami coach Tata Martino worried at the end when he gave an update on Messi's situation: "He and Jordi won't play our next game on Sunday anyway. I'm not sure Messi will be able to play in the cup final." The cup final against Houston Dynamo will take place in a week's time, but Messi may be absent.
Cause for concern? Messi after being replaced/Getty Images, Joe Raedle
* Also in MLS: Thai Bribo made his debut for the Philadelphia Union, being substituted in the 56th minute in the team's 2-2 win against Charlotte. Both of his team's goals were scored after he left. Gadi Kinda played 46 minutes in Kansas City's 3-0 loss to Nashville.
- More on the subject:
- Lionel Messi
- Inter Miami
