Inter Miami's head coach has explained his decision to substitute Lionel Messi before half-time in their 4-0 victory over Toronto in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Check Out: Saudi Captain 'Furious' After Neymar's Arrival
The Argentine returned to action for the Herons in their MLS match against Toronto, along with teammate Jordi Alba, after both veterans missed the Miami outfit's most recent league game.
However, both former Barcelona players were taken off before the break, with Inter Miami going on to record a 4-0 victory at home thanks to a scintillating second-half performance inspired by winger Robert Taylor.
Speaking after the game, Gerardo Martino admitted Messi could be forced to miss the team's Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo next week Thursday.
"They trained normally and we felt like they were ready to play," he said, according to the Daily Mail.
"I don't believe it's anything new or anything worse than what they had. It's fatigue.
"I don't think it's a muscular injury. There is no chance for them to play the Orlando match (next week Monday), but I do not think it's anything serious or muscle injuries. I think it is just fatigue."
These comments were made after Martino first explained his decision to substitute the two legendary players in a half-time interview.
Check Out: Hazard Linked With Shock Club After Spain Nightmare
"Messi and Jordi had to come out. It was two unexpected substitutions. We will evaluate them in these days," he stated.
Inter Miami are currently 13th on the MLS Eastern Conference table.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments
WATCH VIDEO:
