Lionel Messi injured: Inter Miami vs Toronto FC score, result as Robert Taylor masterclass comes at high price

Inter Miami secured a massive 4-0 victory over Toronto FC, thanks in part to Robert Taylor's superb performance coming off the bench. This win brings them closer to a spot in the MLS playoffs.

However, Taylor's entry into the game in the 37th minute was marked by another significant event, one that wasn't so positive for Inter Miami. Lionel Messi, who had been expected to play after being rested twice in the past week, had to leave the field due to a muscle problem. This led to Taylor's entrance, and he delivered with two goals and an assist.

Messi's injury occurred shortly after Jordi Alba was also forced to leave the game due to an injury, raising questions about the workload placed on key players like Messi, Alba, and Sergio Busquets early in coach Gerardo Martino's tenure with the club.

Fortunately, Coach Martino later confirmed that Messi was suffering from "fatigue" and not a more serious muscle injury. Despite these concerns, Inter Miami secured three crucial points, moving up to 13th in the Eastern Conference standings and just five points away from a playoff spot with six games remaining.

Lineups

Inter Miami (3-4-3, right to left): Callender (GK) — Aviles (Cremaschi, 65'), Kryvtsov, Miller — Yedlin, Busquets, D. Ruiz (Arroyo, 65'), Alba (Allen, 34') — Messi (R. Taylor, 37'), J. Martinez (Campana, 65'), Farias.

Toronto FC (4-3-3, right to left): T. Romero (GK) — Franklin, Rosted, Bradley, Petretta (Antonoglu, 69') — V. Vazquez (Servania, 12' — Ibarra, 26'), Coello (Blessing, 69'), Osorio — Bernardeschi, Kerr (Sapong, 69'), Insigne.

Match Summary

In a dramatic game, Inter Miami defeated Toronto FC 4-0, with Robert Taylor delivering an outstanding performance off the bench, scoring two goals and providing an assist.

Key Moments

- 87th min: Robert Taylor scores a spectacular goal to secure the victory for Inter Miami.

- 83rd min: Lorenzo Insigne nearly scores for Toronto FC but hits the post.

- 73rd min: Benja Cremaschi scores, sealing the win for Inter Miami.

- 69th min: Toronto FC makes a triple substitution.

- 54th min: Robert Taylor scores a stunning goal to double Inter Miami's lead.

- 51st min: DeAndre Kerr briefly leaves the pitch due to a lip injury.

- 48th min: Inter Miami makes a defensive mistake but Toronto FC fails to capitalize.

- 47th min: Federico Bernardeschi's goal is disallowed due to offside.

- Kickoff: The second half begins.

Halftime

Inter Miami leads Toronto FC 1-0 at halftime, with Facundo Farias scoring the opening goal. The first half has been marked by injuries to Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.

Pre-match

- Lionel Messi is warming up with the Inter Miami team.

- Referee Drew Fischer has a history of being lenient in MLS matches.

- Lineups are about to be announced, with Messi expected to start for Inter Miami.

- Inter Miami needs a win to boost their playoff hopes.

- Six teams are in contention for playoff berths.

Injury Concerns

- Messi was rested due to fatigue but returned for this game.

- Gomez, Fray, Gregore, Jean, and Mota are sidelined for Inter Miami.

- Toronto FC is missing Johnson, Gutierrez, and Diomande.

Roster Rules

- Messi's arrival has sparked a conversation about outdated MLS roster rules, including discovery rights.

- Changes to discovery rights may be coming this offseason.

Overall Situation

- Inter Miami is striving to make the playoffs, sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference.

- Messi's return is crucial for Inter Miami.

- Defensive issues have plagued both teams, raising expectations of goals in the match.

Betting Odds

- Inter Miami is considered a significant favorite in this match due to their recent form and Toronto FC's struggles.

- Both teams have had defensive issues, suggesting a potential high-scoring game.