Lionel Messi leaves with fatigue, Inter Miami routs Toronto FC to keep playoff hopes alive

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi returned to the pitch after nearly two weeks on Wednesday night.

But he didn’t even make it to halftime.

Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, started and played only 37 minutes of Wednesday’s 4-0 victory against Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium.

Messi – who missed two Inter Miami games and played in just one of two World Cup qualifying matches for Argentina this month – has been dealing with either a right leg injury or fatigue after a grueling stretch since late July.

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said Messi was evaluated for an injury while with the Argentina national team, but their scans did not show an injury.

However, Messi was seen with some discomfort and stretching his right leg around midfield, shortly after charging the net and pulling out wide without a shot before exiting the match.

“He had an old injury that had been bothering him. The scans he had with the national team, they didn’t show any injury. We still saved him to be safe,” Martino said of Messi after the match Wednesday.

“We don’t think he has a muscular injury. That’s also from a conversation I just had with him. But we have to continue being careful. And we’ll look at it the next few days.”

Messi and Jordi Alba, who left the match shortly before Messi did, are both considered day to day.

When is Inter Miami's next match?

Inter Miami’s next match is Sunday against Orlando City SC.

But Inter Miami does have its focus set on the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo FC on Sept. 27.

Beginning with its Toronto match, Inter Miami has entered a stretch of six matches in 17 days.

Martino: Messi, Alba will not play vs. Orlando City

Inter Miami coach Martino said Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not play on the road Sunday against Orlando City. They will be evaluated with hopes to play in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final Wednesday against Houston Dynamo FC.“There is no chance for them to play the Orlando match, but I do not think there is anything serious or muscle injuries," Martino said after Wednesday night's game. "I think it is just fatigue.”

Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC highlights

Lionel Messi might have missed most of this game, but Inter Miami still steam rolled Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium.

After Facundo Farías scored late in the first half, Robert Taylor registered a brace in the second half and USMNT prospect Benjamin Cremaschi tallied his second goal of the season.

What led to Leo Messi’s exit during Inter Miami match?

In the 34^th minute, Messi was bent over and tending to his right calf area.

Two minutes later, Messi was heading to the sidelines.

Messi was replaced in the lineup by Robert Taylor, and gave the captain’s armband to Inter Miami’s previous captain DeAndre Yedlin upon leaving the pitch.

It officially marked the third time in 12 Inter Miami matches Messi was held scoreless. Messi was held without an assist, too.

How did Messi perform during the match?

Messi was aggressive, particularly in the first 30 minutes of the game.

Messi’s most explosive opportunity was a right strike missed on a volleyed pass from Facundo Farías, but the shot was too high. A goal would have made the Inter Miami faithful go crazy because of Messi’s charge toward the right side of the net to kick the volley from Farias.

Earlier, Messi found some space and fired a left boot toward the net, but his shot was caught by Toronto FC goalie in the 18^th minute.

In another sequence, Messi was caught in a crowd of Toronto players, and his shot hit off one of them to end the threat.

Messi, Alba both exit for Inter Miami before halftime

Before the match, Martino said both Messi and Jordi Alba, the fellow FC Barcelona standout, would have their playing time monitored during the Toronto match.

Alba was removed from the match about a minute before Messi was, and visibly upset on the Inter Miami bench as soon as he sat down.

Messi wasn’t as demonstrative, but still affected by either his calf, fatigue, or the coach’s decision.

How long was Messi's layoff?

Messi had not played since Sept. 7, when he scored a free kick to lead Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Buenos Aires. 

The match marked his 12th in 48 days, a stretch highlighted by Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup title.

Messi sat out Inter Miami's 5-2 loss on Saturday to Atlanta United and Argentina’s 3-0 win over Bolivia on Sept. 12. 

Robert Taylor goal: Inter Miami 4, Toronto 0

Robert Taylor took a pass from Facundo Farias, and scored his second goal of the game to give Inter Miami a 4-0 lead against Toronto.

Taylor secured the brace, with a right strike that just rose above the head of Toronto goalie Tomás Romero in the 86th minute.

Benjamin Cremaschi goal: Inter Miami 3, Toronto 0

With a head of steam toward the net, Robert Taylor found a streaking Benjamin Cremaschi for a wide-open shot toward the back of the net in the 74^th minute to increase Inter Miami’s lead to 3-0.

Cremaschi sent the ball outside to Taylor, and kept running toward the box until Taylor delivered the assist.

Robert Taylor goal: Inter Miami 2, Toronto 0

Robert Taylor, one Inter Miami player who has benefitted most from playing with Messi, scored early in the second half to give his side a 2-0 lead.

Taylor dribbled around the box, and his right foot strike was sent past Toronto FC goalie Tomás Romero.

Facundo Farias goal: Inter Miami 1, Toronto 0

Just before halftime, after Messi and several others left tonight’s match, a goal was finally scored.

Inter Miami’s Facundo Farias fired a right strike into the back of the next during extra time before halftime to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Messi leaves the match after 36 minutes: Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0

Lionel Messi’s night is over before halftime.

Messi, Inter Miami’s star making his return after two missed matches, started and will leave inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC after just 36 minutes on Wednesday night.

Messi was dealing with either fatigue or a right calf injury this month.

During a brief moment, Messi stretched his right leg out during the 34^th minute of the match.

Messi was bent over and just tending to his leg around the midfield area.

Messi seemed to be favoring his right leg, around the calf area, shortly after he charged to the box that ended when Messi was defended too wide.

Two minutes later, Messi was heading to the sidelines.

Messi was replaced in the lineup by Robert Taylor, and gave the captain’s armband to Inter Miami’s previous captain DeAndre Yedlin upon leaving the pitch.

Messi misses three times before 23’: Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0

Three shots, but three misses for Messi.

Messi’s most explosive opportunity was a right strike missed on a volleyed pass from Facundo Farías, but the shot was too high.

A make there would have made the Inter Miami faithful go crazy because of Messi’s charge toward the net on the attempt.

Earlier, Messi found some space and fired a left boot toward the net, but his shot was caught by Toronto FC goalie in the 18^th minute.

In another sequence, Messi was caught in a crowd of Toronto players, and his shot hit off one of them to end the threat.

Still, the crowd is always most intrigued when Messi has a touch.

Toronto almost scores in 13’: Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0

Toronto FC standout forward Deandre Kerr had two shots on goal in the 13^th minute, and Inter Miami got lucky twice.

Kerr’s first shot was blocked by Inter Miami goalie Drake Callendar, while his rebound shot ricocheted off the right post.

Inter Miami’s Josef Martinez missed a shot that went behind the net, one minute later.

Inter Miami 0, Toronto FC 0 after 10’

Three updates from the first 10 minutes:

∎ Messi got a quick touch close to the net from DeAndre Yedlin, but the ball was quickly stolen from Toronto’s Jonathan Osorio in the eighth minute.

∎ Josef Martinez missed a left boot from the center of the box was too high just before the fourth minute.

∎ Inter Miami goalie Drake Callendar was almost caught too far from the net trying to regain possession, but Toronto was unable to reset itself offensively and surrendered the possession in the seventh minute.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC: Time, TV channel

The Inter Miami and Toronto FC match at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida kicks off at 7:30 pm ET and Apple TV will broadcast the match.

Messi warms up with Inter Miami teammates

Messi has returned to the Inter Miami pitch and is warming up with teammates before tonight's match.

Here's video of Messi, last in the top line, behind Sergio Busquets.

Messi is in the starting lineup for Inter Miami

That’s the burning question for soccer’s greatest star as the Inter Miami newcomer and Argentine World Cup champion has missed his last two games. 

Messi is in Inter Miami's starting lineup, but how much he plays could be up in the air.

Here are the starting lineups for both sides:

Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC predictions

Jim Reineking, sports editor: Inter Miami 4, Toronto FC 1. Toronto has endured a nightmarish season and is in contention for the dreaded Wooden Spoon (an unofficial prize for the team with the league's worst record). TFC went nearly three months between victories and in the middle of that horrendous run fired coach Bob Bradley (yes, the same Bob Bradley who led the USMNT to the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup and LAFC to the 2019 Supporters' Shield). If Lionel Messi — as well as his former Barcelona pals Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba — start this one, this could be an ugly rout.

Safid Deen, sports reporter: Messi scores one goal and gets an assist during a shutout. Miami 4, Toronto 0.

Alicia DelGallo, senior editor: Messi enters for 30 minutes and Inter Miami takes down Toronto 3-1.

Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC odds

According to BetMGM, Inter Miami are -350 favorites (risk $350 to win $100) to defeat Toronto (+775). A draw is priced at +475 with the over/under for goals scored at 3.5 (-115).

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place bets online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. 

What did Inter Miami's coach say about Messi?

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino was non-committal when asked about the availability of Messi and fellow standout Jordi Alba for the Toronto match.

“Messi and Alba will train in the full session today with the team, and after that we'll see if they're available to play and to what extent,” Martino told reporters Tuesday. “Beginning on Wednesday, we have six matches in 18 days, which is one match every three days, including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final.”

Where does Inter Miami stand in the MLS playoff race?

Entering Wednesday's action, Inter Miami has eight games remaining, with seven in MLS play this season.

Inter Miami has 28 points through 27 games, and is seven points behind the ninth-place team, D.C. United. 

Any more losses, however, would be devastating for Inter Miami’s MLS postseason hopes.

Messi pizza photo: Business booms at restaurant that delivered pie

Lionel Messi was roundly mocked online for a pizza he shared via Instagram on Friday.

Messi ordered the "Don Antonio" pizza, which comes with mozzarella, tomato sauce, tomato slices, onion, anchovies and olives. It was a shock to see for some. However, thanks to Messi, business later was booming at the Argentinian pizza restaurant, Banchero Miami, which changed its Instagram bio to read "@leomessi favorite pizza!" — Pro Soccer Wire

Inter Miami focuses on U.S. Open Cup title   

It’s clear Inter Miami is wrestling with several factors that include resting Messi, competing for their second championship next week, and vying for a spot in the MLS playoff race this season. 

Inter Miami will play Houston Dynamo in the U.S. Open Cup final on Sept. 27. But before that, Inter Miami has two MLS games, their second on the road against rival Orlando City on Sunday. 

After beating Nashville in the Leagues Cup final in July, Inter Miami could add a second championship with Messi as their lead orchestrator. 

“It doesn't mean we won't go for it,” Martino said last week of the MLS playoff race, “but it's true that we're focused on the 27th.”

How did Messi play in his last match with Inter Miami?

Messi was held scoreless for the second time with Inter Miami, but he assisted on two goals in a 3-1 win against LAFC on Sept. 4 in Los Angeles.

Inter Miami was able to beat Sporting Kansas City 3-2 on Sept. 9, while Messi was away with Argentina.

What is Inter Miami's remaining 2023 schedule?

• Sept. 16: at Atlanta United, 5 p.m. ET
• Sept. 20: vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Sept. 24: at Orlando City SC, 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1)
• Sept. 27: vs. Houston Dynamo FC (U.S. Open Cup final), 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sept. 30: vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Oct. 4: at Chicago Fire FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Oct. 7: vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Oct. 18: vs. Charlotte FC, 8 p.m. ET
• Oct. 21: at Charlotte FC, 6 p.m. ET

Like the rest of MLS, all of Inter Miami's games are available to watch via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV —  except for the U.S. Open Cup final on Sept. 27, which will be available to stream on the CBS Sports Golazo Network. Keep in mind that should Messi lead Inter Miami to the MLS playoffs, some of those postseason games also could be broadcast on FOX.

What are Wednesday night's games for MLS Matchday 33?

• Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
• D.C. United vs. Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Inter Miami CF vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
• CF Montréal vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. ET
• New York City FC vs. Orlando City SC, 7:30 p.m. ET
• New York Red Bulls vs. Austin FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Houston Dynamo FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sporting Kansas City vs. Nashville SC, 8:30 p.m. ET
• St. Louis City SC vs. Los Angeles FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Colorado Rapids vs. Seattle Sounders, 9:30 p.m. ET
• Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas, 9:30 p.m. ET
• Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Minnesota United, 10:30 p.m. ET
• Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 10:30 p.m. ET

All games available to stream via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Netflix releases trailer for David Beckham docuseries

Netflix is releasing a documentary series about David Beckham based on the soccer superstar's life and career. The project, called "Beckham," will examine how the former English captain and current Inter Miami co-owner captured international attention with his lightning style of play, his trendsetting fashion and his dynamic romance with pop icon Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham.

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