Inter Miami was handed a huge blow as Lionel Messi had an early retirement during the MLS clash against Toronto. Messi, who missed Inter Miami’s last two games, started the match against Toronto. However, Gerardo Martino has some thinking to do about Messi’s absence with some crucial matches coming up soon.
Lionel Messi was back in the starting XI after missing the matches against Sporting KC and Atlanta United. Jordi Alba also made his way back into the lineup after being unavailable during the 2-5 loss against Atlanta. However, despite having some bright moments early into the match, Messi looked uncomfortable. The Inter Miami skipper was spotted holding his left leg several times during the match.
In the 37th minute, Lionel Messi signaled to the Inter Miami bench, asking to be substituted. Handing over the captain’s armband to DeAndre Yedlin, Messi was replaced by Robert Taylor minutes after Jordi Alba was also brought off. With the crucial fixture against Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final coming up next week, coach Tata Martino has stated that Messi will miss the next match against Orlando City.
(🌕) Messi has no injury. He felt discomfort in the same area where he’s fatigued. His aim is to play the final. @gastonedul 🚑🇦🇷
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) September 21, 2023
Although fortunately for the Inter Miami fans, Lionel Messi’s injury isn’t as serious as it looks. According to the Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, Messi was brought off due to discomfort and fatigue. This piece of news will come as a breath of fresh air for the Miami camp, as the Argentine star’s absence in the US Open Cup would put the Heron in dire straits.
Robert Taylor talks about trying to copy Lionel Messi
Meanwhile, Inter Miami forward Robert Taylor didn’t let his team feel Lionel Messi’s absence last night. Despite Messi’s absence, Inter Miami romped to a 4-0 victory against Toronto as Robert Taylor scored a brace. Benjamin Cremaschi and Facundo Farias scored Miami’s first and third goals too.
Robert Taylor with an UNREAL solo goal 😨
(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/yKns40JMEb
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 21, 2023
Despite Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba’s injuries, the highlight of the match was Robert Taylor’s goal. The Finnish star scored a wonderful Messi-esque goal, going past defenders and slotting the ball into the goal’s bottom corner. Speaking after the match, however, Taylor conceded that he’s no Messi. He said, “I don’t think there’s much advice he can give on copying his play because no one can copy his play.”
Taylor further asked his teammates to step up their performances in the former FC Barcelona star’s absence. Taylor was also asked whether he could copy Messi’s style of play. However, the 28-year-old star humbly replied that while he could try to imitate the 36-year-old soccer superstar, he isn’t promising any success with it.
