How Lionel Messi's 'muscular fatigue' complicates Inter Miami's playoff push

Messi had already missed the Atlanta game after his busy week playing for Argentina in South America. His return against Toronto boosted Inter Miami hopes that his absence would be short-lived. After all, Miami still must win four of its remaining six games to have any hope of qualifying for the playoffs. Messi's departure, which came minutes after fellow star Jordi Alba left the game, was a huge blow for the team. 

"We have to go day by day, see the medical report, see what they themselves tell us," Miami coach Tata Martino said of the injuries to Alba and Messi. "Obviously, there's no chance they'll play on Sunday."

Sunday's match against Orlando City is crucial for Miami. Orlando is second in the Eastern Conference after its incredible post-break run. It hasn't lost in its last six matches in Major League Soccer, with their most recent defeat coming in a Leagues Cup knockout game against Inter Miami.

Messi's injury has been widely described as "muscular fatigue," a frustratingly opaque description for what could be anything from tiredness to a serious tear.

"In principle, it's a scar from an old injury that's bothering him," Martino said. 

Further details about the severity of the injury have not been reported, but Martino's statement, coupled with Messi's own X-rays from his native Argentina, seem to point to exhaustion over a long-term muscular problem. 

"The image brought with him from Argentina, there was no muscle injury," Martino admitted. "We played him against Atlanta because of that."

While Miami went on to play well without Messi against Toronto, its fans were not pleased by his early substitution. Many of them streamed toward the exits once he left the field.

For Messi's teammates, his injury is concerning, but also presents an opportunity for background players to shine.

"It's very important," striker Taylor said of Messi's departure. "I mean, it's the most important player for us. But it's important for the rest of us to step up and bring in the results as well."