ESPN.com · Sep 21, 2023
Messi, Alba leave Inter Miami win in first-half, will miss next match
Lionel Messi was substituted due to muscle fatigue in the 37th minute of Inter Miami CF's 4-0 win over Toronto FC on Wednesday, only minutes after his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba had also left the field.
Miami coach Gerardo Martino said after the match that both Alba and Messi would be evaluated in the coming days, but that neither player would be available to play against Orlando City on Sunday so that they might be ready for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo next Wednesday.
"There is no chance they will be there on Sunday. I know we have a final to play [next Wednesday] but they won't go near the pitch if they can't play," said Martino.