Messi's Injury Casts Doubt on U.S. Open Cup Final

 Messi's Injury Casts Doubt on U.S. Open Cup Final

Messi's Injury Casts Doubt on U.S. Open Cup Final(Image-Getty)

Lionel Messi's abrupt departure from Inter Miami's match against Toronto FC, just before halftime on a Wednesday, was attributed to an unspecified injury, causing concern about his availability for the upcoming U.S. Open Cup final, as revealed by coach Gerardo Martino.

In the 37th minute, with the score locked at 0-0, Messi yielded his captain's armband to DeAndre Yedlin as he was substituted for Robert Taylor.

Remarkably, despite Messi's absence, Miami managed to secure a resounding 4-0 victory, with Taylor netting twice and Facundo Farias and Benjamin Cremaschi also contributing to the scoreline.

Notably, Messi had already missed Miami's previous match against Atlanta, a 5-2 loss, citing fatigue, and had also sat out Argentina's game against Bolivia the week prior.

Coach Martino expressed uncertainty regarding the extent of Messi and Jordi Alba's injuries, with both players leaving the field early on Wednesday. He confirmed their absence from the upcoming Sunday game against Orlando City and expressed doubt about their participation in the Cup final against the Houston Dynamo the following Wednesday.

Martino disclosed that Messi had been nursing an "old injury" and that recent scans with the national team had not revealed any specific issues, but they erred on the side of caution.

While Miami had enjoyed an undefeated streak with Messi in their ranks since his signing in July, including a victory in the Leagues Cup last month, his current injury situation has cast doubt on his availability for critical upcoming fixtures.