From armed guards to Kardashians in the crowd - Messi fever has gripped the United States from Miami to LA, from pitch invaders to Hollywood stars, writes Lawrence Ostlere. But can Major League Soccer seize the moment?

Inter Miami faces the daunting task of finding a suitable replacement for the injured Lionel Messi, reported by GOAL. Messi, who has been a prolific scorer for the Florida-based MLS team, is currently nursing an injury that forced him to exit the field just 37 minutes into their recent 4-0 win over Toronto FC.

Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's lineup in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night. It was a short-lived comeback, and now he's sidelined again.

Messi was subbed off in the 37th minute of Inter Miami's match against Toronto, after spending a few minutes laboring with what appeared to be a leg issue. He was stretching during play, then eventually took off his captain's armband and simply waited for play to stop so he could depart.

Inter Miami's acquisition of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba is transforming MLS, with Pedro hailing their "great choice"

Messi was listed in the starting lineup for Wednesday’s match against Toronto. The 36-year-old had missed two matches — one for club, the other for country — in recent days, after sitting out Argentina’s World Cup qualifying win at Bolivia on Sept. 12, and Inter Miami’s 5-2 loss at Atlanta United this past Saturday.

Inter Miami are expected to be without Lionel Messi on Saturday against Atlanta United with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner dropping a hint over his absence on social media

Check out this article for our top Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami prediction for Wednesday, the latest betting odds and an update on Lionel Messi’s injury.

Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's lineup in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night. It was a short-lived comeback, and now he's sidelined again.