The reigning Ballon d’Or holder lasted 50 minutes at Chase Stadium in Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against their MLS rivals, with Messi scoring and assisting on the night.

With the Herons progressing through to the quarter-finals, it was a historic night for Inter Miami, though Messi’s potential injury scare did put a damper on the result.

Jordi Alba wishing for the best after Lionel Messi injury scare

Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
And speaking to AS after the game, Alba hoped that Messi’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared, with reports suggesting that the Argentine will miss this weekend’s trip to DC United.

With Messi set to go out on international duty with Argentina later this month, there’s a real chance that the veteran could be rested for the remainder of March, a prospect that would benefit Inter Miami.

Alba said: “I guess Leo noticed something. He always wants to play and to help the team, but we’ll see what the results say. I don’t know much about what happened, but tomorrow we will know more.

“I hope it’s nothing and that he can help us in Saturday’s game and in the next one, he’s a fundamental player for us, and were know it. He gives so much to all the players, and he makes us better, it’s a huge help to have him in our team and we hope this injury is nothing serious.”

Inter Miami must do all they can to keep Lionel Messi in Florida

Messi’s fitness is of the utmost concern for Inter Miami this season, with the fate of the Herons’ success largely standing on the Argentine’s shoulders.

Any and all injury issues must be treated correctly and with the right recovery program, and Inter Miami have to ensure that the forward remains in Florida this month.

Minutes with Argentina could lead to Messi sitting out for longer, and Inter Miami need to get every minute possible out of the forward in MLS and Champions Cup ties if they’re to succeed.