With a 4-0 win over Toronto on Wednesday, Inter Miami kept its playoff hopes alive.
Even though Tata Martino’s team won, they paid a heavy price, as they lost both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba to injuries before halftime.
Facundo Farias, Benjamin Cremaschi, and a pair from Robert Taylor (who had replaced Messi) led Miami to an easy victory despite the absence of the two superstars.
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba forced out of Inter Miami’s clаsh with Toronto FC with early injuries
Lionel Messi, who had just recently returned from an ιnjury, was forced to leave Inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC.Messi took off the captain’s armband and headed for the bench after 37 minutes of Miami’s match against Toronto FC, allowing Robert Taylor to take over as captain. Messi had missed the previous two weeks due to international service and an ιnjury he sustained against Ecuador, but he had just recently returned to the starting lineup.
However, three minutes before Messi was pulled off with an ιnjury, Jordi Alba also left the game.
IN THE BIG PICTURE, Miami’s season may be ruined if Messi is unable to play in the U.S. Open Cup final against FC Cincinnati on September 27. Any extended time spent without Messi would definitely end the Herons’ playoff hopes this season, which are rather slim to begin with.At the weekend’s match against Atlanta United, the team played without Messi but still lost 5-1.This weekend, Inter Miami will take on a rival as they take on Orlando City.