Lionel Messi Injured in 1st Half, Inter Miami Dominates Toronto FC in 4-0 Victory

Summary:

• Lionel Messi exited the game in the first half due to a leg injury.
• Inter Miami dominated Toronto FC in a 4-0 victory, extending their unbeaten home match streak.
• The team has upcoming games, including the US Open Cup final, but needs to make up five points and jump four teams to make the playoffs.

Lionel Messi suffered a discomfort in his leg and had to exit the game in the first half, but it didn't stop Inter Miami from dominating Toronto FC in a 4-0 victory.

Lionel Messi Exits Early With Leg Discomfort as Inter Miami Dominates Toronto FC

The Inter Miami squad celebrated a decisive 4-0 win over the Toronto FC, maintaining an unbeaten streak of nine home matches. Unfortunately, the win was soured by Lionel Messi's early exit due to discomfort in his leg. Toronto FC, on the other hand, is faced with an 18 straight road loss, making it challenging to climb into the playoff hunt.

Can They Make It To The Playoffs?

With only the top nine teams qualifying for the playoffs, Toronto FC is left with a challenging task of jumping four teams and making up for five points. DC United occupies the last spot with 36 points, where Miami is currently at 31 points. According to CBS soccer analyst Jimmy Conrad, it's an uphill task, and they have a lot of work to do.

A Potentially Rushed Return For Messi

Messi played 12 games in 48 days before going off for the international break with Argentina. While he scored the game-winner after a sick free kick, he got hurt against Ecuador in his country's first World Cup qualifier. With a big final next week, many speculate that he may be potentially rushing back to the field, and he left before the end of the first half, alongside his teammate, Jordi Alba.

Looking Ahead

While Miami won the leagues cup, there is still much work to do in the playoffs, with plenty of teams still ahead of them getting results. The schedule does not make it any easier, with six games in 17 days. However, even with Messi out, Miami looked great against the Toronto FC, with the supporting cast stepping up and making plays.

Can Miami Win Three Trophies?

Miami has a chance to win three trophies this season, a remarkable feat given where they were before Messi joined. However, it remains uncertain whether Messi will be available for their upcoming matches, which include the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston on September 27th and a matchup against New York City FC just three days later.

Final Thoughts

Miami's unbeaten streak in matches where Messi plays remains intact, but they still have some making up to do, and it will be a game at a time for Tatum Martino, the manager, and the fans. Nevertheless, everything still looks on the up and up in South Florida, with exciting upcoming matches against Orlando on September 24th, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Charlotte.

Despite the injury concern for Messi, the team is still unbeaten in matches that he does play in and has upcoming games to continue their pursuit of trophies this season.