Lionel Messi seemed in a good mood behind Inter Miami boss Tata Martino despite being substituted in the 50th minute against Nashville.
Messi and Luis Suarez had already done the damage in the first half with both players combining for a brilliant opener which the Uruguayan tucked away. Messi didn't take long to double Miami's lead, producing a neat finish in the 23rd minute.
With the first leg a draw and the aggregate tied at 2-2, Miami put themselves into a comfortable position by half-time. But just five minutes into the second half and Messi was replaced by Robert Taylor.
The nature of the substitution was unusual with even commentators remarking that the Argentinian may as well have been replaced at the interval. Fans online went into a frenzy, assuming the forward had got himself injured. And they assumed correctly.
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Following the match, Martino confirmed Messi was taken off as a precaution due to an overload on his right leg. He said: "We tried to make him continue but he told us he wasn't feeling well, so he was substituted as a precaution."
The Miami boss further added that he is probably out of Saturday's game against DC United. Though, tests will be done to determine the extent of his injury. It seems no risks were worth taking with the game at 2-0.
Messi showed no emotion as he was withdrawn but, in a boost to Miami fans, was later seen smiling behind Martino. Given Messi's lighter mood, and the fact the substitution was of a precautionary nature, the injury might not be as serious as first feared by fans.
Lionel Messi is spotted smiling behind Tata MartinoTaylor, who came on for Messi, wrapped up the win for Miami with a fine header just after the hour mark. Hany Mukhtar believed he had pulled a goal back in the closing stages before VAR disallowed the strike.
Former Swansea, Bournemouth and Stoke forward Sam Surridge grabbed a consolation goal in the dying embers, however, for Nashville. Miami move to the quarter-final stage of the CONCACAF Champions Cup following the win, with their opponent yet to be decided.
A fixture is pencilled in for April 2. Meanwhile in MLS, Miami remain top of the table, having played at least one game more than any of their Eastern Conference opponents. Their record stands at two wins, one draw and a loss.
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