Soccer-Messi exits in first half of Inter Miami match

Sep 20, 2023; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) kicks the ball against the Toronto FC during the first half at DRV PNK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) -Lionel Messi exited Inter Miami's match against Toronto FC before halftime due to an unspecified injury on Wednesday, with coach Gerardo Martino saying his Argentine skipper could miss next week's U.S. Open Cup final.

Messi was replaced by Robert Taylor in the 37th minute with the score tied at 0-0, taking off the captain's armband and handing it to DeAndre Yedlin.