Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC, Lionel Messi leaves with injury.

Lionel Messi’s return to the pitch was short-lived after the Argentine superstar was subbed off in the 37th minute of Inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC on Wednesday at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Just a few minutes after teammate Jordi Alba was subbed off with an apparent injury, Messi appeared to be experiencing discomfort. He then took off his captain’s armband and placed it on Deandre Yedlin before exiting the match himself.

Messi returned to the bench, where he leaned back in the chair in apparent frustration. He later walked to the locker room with eight minutes of stoppage time remaining in the first half.

Both players went straight to the bench rather than the locker room after leaving the field, and Miami's Facundo Farías scored a goal shortly after to give the home team a 1-0 lead at halftime. Robert Taylor then scored two spectacular goals either side of a Benjamin Cremaschi strike in the second half to secure the three points.

Messi looked lively early and had a golden chance in the 23rd minute when his far-post volley was blasted over the bar from close range. However, 15 minutes later, it was clear that the Argentine was laboring due to some physical issue, and he was replaced by Taylor.

Fatigue was cited in both cases, but now it would appear the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has at least some sort of leg issue. The game was scoreless when Messi was subbed out and he left for the locker room before halftime after spending a few minutes in the bench area.

It was the second big injury blow for Inter Miami on Wednesday. Jordi Alba — another celebrated midseason addition — had to leave in the 34th minute, shortly before Messi's night was over.

Messi's teammate Jordi Alba was also taken out of the game in the first half, 34 minutes into the game. Messi's substitution came in the 37th minute. He was seen giving the captain's armband to teammate Deandre Yedlin, before exiting the pitch for Robert Taylor. 

A club source said the decision was made to rest the Argentinian World Cup winner due to the number of games he has played since signing for the club in July. The turf field at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium did not play a role in the decision, the source said.

Inter Miami’s next scheduled match is on Sunday against Orlando City SC. The team will then host Houston Dynamo FC in the US Open Cup final on September 27.

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Sarah H

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