Inter Miami defeated Toronto FC 4-0 with the help of Robert Taylor, who came on as a substitute, moving them closer to an MLS playoff position.
Unfortunately, there was another reason why Taylor entered the game in the 37th minute, and that reason is far less positive for Inter Miami’s overall situation.
As a result of Lionel Messi’s withdrawal due to what looked to be a muscular issue, Taylor entered the game and put on a display that saw him score two goals and assist another.
Thought to be in top physical condition after receiving two days of recuperation in the previous week, Messi appeared to be having trouble after a half-hour and eventually requested to be removed.
It raised concerns about the burden that head coach Gerardo Martino put on Messi, Alba, and Sergio Busquets early in his time with the club. The devastating blow came just minutes after fellow star Jordi Alba was also carted out with an injury of his own.
Thankfully for Miami, Messi’s head coach Gerardo Martino said during the game that he was experiencing “fatigue” and, at the very least, did not have a more serious muscle issue.
Any worries, though, will have to wait because Inter Miami now sits in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings, only five points off of a playoff berth with six games remaining.
