Both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were ejected from Inter Miami’s MLS match against Toronto on Wednesday, dealing a severe blow to Tata Martino’s squad.

Five minutes before the first half’s finish at DRV PNK Stadium, Alba left the field and iced his right hamstring.

Just 37 minutes into his return to MLS action, Messi cut a similarly furious figure when he handed the armband to his replacement. It’s thought that he suffered a muscular injury.

The 36-year-old was back in the lineup after missing Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Atlanta due to what coach Martino described as “muscle fatigue.”

That defeat greatly reduced Miami’s hopes of making the playoffs, but Messi was present for Tuesday’s training session and returned to the starting lineup right away.

Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi were both forced to leave Inter Miami’s MLS match against Toronto.

Messi hands the captain’s hat to DeAndre Yedlin as he exits the field.

Messi hasn’t played for Miami since the Fourth of September since he’s been serving abroad. Messi had been unable to attend the team’s victories over Kansas City and Atlanta due of this.

Facundo Farias quickly gave Miami the lead following the two blows as they try to maintain their postseason hopes. Miami wants to maintain its chances of making the postseason.

The next thing everyone noticed was Messi exiting the DRV PNK Stadium’s tunnel. While walking, he didn’t seem to be utilizing any assistance, but right before departing, he seemed to make a change.He was obviously done partying for the evening based on the way he held himself.

Before the game, Martino made the following statement: “Beginning on Wednesday, we have six matches in 18 days, which is one match every three days, including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final,” Martino remarked. Every three days, there is a match.

We have a lot of crucial games coming up in a short period of time, so one of my duties as the coach is to look out for my players and assist them in making the tough choices that will give us the best opportunity of keeping everyone healthy over this hectic stretch. We have a lot of crucial games coming up in a short period of time, so one of my duties as the coach is to look out for my players and assist them in making the tough choices that will give us the best chance of success.

With six games remaining in the regular season, Miami entered the game in second-to-last place in the Eastern Conference and seven points behind the postseason spots.

Thousands of followers who had traveled across the country to see their idol perform in Atlanta over the past weekend were unhappy to learn that their hero had stayed in Miami rather than making the trip to Atlanta.

After leaving for international service on September 4, Messi had not played for Miami since.