Inter Miami and football fans worldwide were left holding their breath as superstar Lionel Messi was surprisingly substituted at half-time during a tense goalless draw against rivals Orlando City.
The Argentine maestro, who had been a constant threat in the first half, failed to emerge for the second period, with coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino replacing him with Brazilian forward Robert Taylor. The abrupt change immediately raised alarm bells over a potential injury to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Martino's Concerning Post-Match Comments
Speaking after the match, Manager Gerardo Martino confirmed the decision was precautionary, but offered little reassurance. "We decided to take him off because he had been kicked in the lower leg, it was bothering him," Martino revealed. "We don't want to take any risks. We'll evaluate him in the coming days."
This vague timeline places a huge question mark over Messi's availability for Inter Miami's next Major League Soccer outing against Atlanta United on Wednesday. The club and its global fanbase now face an anxious wait for a definitive medical update.
A Tactical Stalemate in Orlando
Beyond the Messi drama, the match itself was a fiercely contested but ultimately fruitless affair in front of a sold-out Chase Stadium. The home side struggled to break down a resolute Orlando defence, with Luis Suarez also being kept unusually quiet.
The physical nature of the encounter was evident, with Messi himself on the receiving end of a number of heavy challenges before his eventual withdrawal. The result leaves Inter Miami sitting pretty at the top of the Eastern Conference, but the potential loss of their talismanic captain is a far greater concern than two dropped points.
All eyes will now be firmly fixed on Fort Lauderdale as the club assesses its most important player. The coming 48 hours will be critical in determining whether Messi will be fit to lead the line against Atlanta United.
