Lionel Messi: Why was the Argentina and Inter Miami Superstar taken off early against Toronto?

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Lionel Messi returned in action for Inter Miami in the MLS on Thursday (September 21), but his stay was shortlived. The Argentina superstar could last only 37 minutes and then had to be taken off.

Inter Miami thumped their MLS opponents Toronto FC 4-0 and came back to winning ways, but their talismanic captain didn't play any part in that.

What Happened to Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi could only last 37 minutes against Toronto FC. The Argentina international was seen taking off his armband and walking towards the sidelines. He was subsequently replaced by Robert Taylor.

This was the 35-year-old's first involvement with Inter Miami having missed the previous two weeks for being in international duty.

Why was Lionel Messi taken off?

Although it is unclear, reports suggest Lionel Messi felt fatigued while playing the match and was withdrawn because of that. But the Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino couldn't confirm the real reason.

"Lionel Messi had to go out, we will evaluate him in the next days," Martino said after the match.

It is a big possibility that Messi may have injured himself during the match and that was the reason why he had to forcefully come off. It is to be seen whether the former Barcelona man makes a swift return to the Inter Miami team as they take on Orlando City in their next match on Monday (September 25).