CNN —Lionel Messi’s return to the pitch was short-lived after the Argentine superstar was subbed off in the 37th minute of Inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC on Wednesday at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Just a few minutes after teammate Jordi Alba was subbed off with an apparent injury, Messi appeared to be experiencing discomfort. He then took off his captain’s armband and placed it on Deandre Yedlin before exiting the match himself. Inter Miami would go on to defeat Toronto FC 4-0. Wednesday’s match marked the first time Messi has played since September 7, when he helped lead Argentina to a victory over Ecuador in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match.

---

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Jordi Alba, Messi, “, Tata Martino, Alba Organizations: CNN, Argentine, Inter, Toronto FC, Wednesday, ” Inter Miami, Apple, Inter Miami, MLS, Atlanta United, Mercedes, Benz, Inter Miami’s, Orlando City SC, Houston Dynamo FC Locations: Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Argentina, Ecuador