Messi's early exit in Inter Miami win raises eyebrows | Bat N Ball

 Inter Miami claimed a convincing 4-0 win over Toronto FC, but the focus remained on the early substitutions of star players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, leaving fans and pundits questioning the decisions. this decision.

 Messi and Alba, who missed Miami's previous match due to "muscle fatigue", were both replaced in apparent lower-body discomfort.

Coach Gerardo Martino  explained their absence as a precautionary measure to control their physical condition amid a busy schedule that includes the US Open Cup final on September 27.

 Messi leaving the field after just 37 minutes was especially surprising considering Miami's perfect record with him in the lineup. The team is 11-0-1  in all competitions when Messi plays, including a 3-0-1 record in regular season matches. Coming on to replace Messi, Robert Taylor had an excellent performance, scoring two goals and assisting another. Taylor's excellent ball control led to a goal from the edge of the box in the 54th minute.

In the 87th minute, he  shot from a difficult angle thanks to a precise pass from Facundo Farias. In the 73rd minute, Taylor assisted Benjamin Cremaschi, who added Miami's fourth goal.

 Despite an early injury substitution and a first-half layoff, Miami maintained control of the match. The win moves them closer to the Eastern Conference playoffs, but  injuries to Messi and Alba weigh heavily as the US Open Cup final approaches.

 Toronto FC were also injured during the match, losing Victor Vazquez and Brandon Servania to injury in the first 26 minutes. Those early disruptions led to nine minutes of stoppage time in the first half, ultimately leading to Farias's goal.