Fans concerned for Lionel Messi after spotting worrying clip of him on the bench

Fans have been left concerned for Lionel Messi after spotting a worrying clip of the 36-year-old on the bench.

Messi was substituted in the 37th minute of Inter Miami's MLS clash against Toronto FC on Thursday due to injury in a worrying sight for supporters.

Fortunately, the Argentine's teammates were able to get the job done without him, running out 4-0 winners thanks to a brace from Robert Taylor, who replaced the seven time Ballon D'or winner, and goals from Facundo Frias and Benjamin Cremaschi.

On the bench, Messi could be seen rolling his head back into his chair, seemingly frustrated with something - and his behaviour has left supporters worried about the extent of the injury.

🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 pic.twitter.com/JZv8C5Qe35

— Messi World (@M10GOAT) September 21, 2023

It is the first time Messi has played since he requested to be taken off in the 89th minute of Argentina's 1-0 win over Ecuador on Thursday after scoring a late free kick, with manager Lionel Scaloni confirming that the World Cup winner had "felt something" after the game.

Jordi Alba was also forced off for Inter Miami just two minutes earlier, with both players expected to miss Sunday's game against Orlando.

In the 37th minute of the game between Inter Miami and Toronto, Lionel Messi subbed off due to a possible injury. 🥲
Hope it's not very serious and he gets well soon. 🙏⚽#Messi #InterMiamiCF #MIAvTOR #MLS #Matchday #football #TrendingNow pic.twitter.com/UxmkWG4njM

— SportsTattoo Media (@thesportstattoo) September 21, 2023

Providing an update on the pair, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino explained: "They trained normally and we felt like they were ready to play. I don’t believe it’s anything new or anything worse than what they had. It’s fatigue," Martino said.

"I don’t think it’s a muscular injury. There is no chance for them to play the Orlando match, but I do not think it's anything serious or muscle injuries."

The 60-year-old added that Messi would be assessed between now and next Wednesday's US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo.

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