Inter Miami CF Faces U.S. Open Cup Final Without Lionel Messi
September 27, 2023 – Inter Miami CF fans were left disappointed as it was announced that star player Lionel Messi will not be on the squad for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo FC. Manager Gerardo Martino confirmed on Tuesday that Messi’s availability would be determined just before the game, and when the lineup was revealed, it was clear that Messi would not be participating due to a muscle injury he has been dealing with for the past two weeks.
Messi’s absence from the final is a blow for Inter Miami, who were hoping to secure their second trophy after winning the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament. The team’s chances of victory without Messi were assessed by Herc Gomez, who discussed their match against Houston Dynamo.
Jordi Alba, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, was also unavailable for the final due to an injury of his own. Both players were spotted in the stands in street clothes shortly after kickoff.
Thousands of fans had gathered in the Fort Lauderdale area, many of them wearing Messi jerseys, eagerly awaiting the start of the Cup final. However, their disappointment was palpable when the team buses arrived without Messi. Some fans had paid exorbitant prices for tickets on the secondary market, with prices ranging from $145 to nearly $4,000 just an hour before the match.
Messi has been in and out of Miami’s lineup since returning from international duty with Argentina, as he has been dealing with a leg injury related to scar tissue. He was unable to play in a recent loss to Atlanta United and was substituted early in a game against Toronto FC, which Miami went on to win 4-0.
Despite his intermittent appearances, Messi has made a significant impact on Inter Miami since joining the team in July. He has scored 11 goals and contributed to a total of 16, and the team has not lost a game in which he has played.
Inter Miami is currently five points behind New York City FC in the standings for the final MLS Cup playoff spot, with five games remaining and two games in hand. The absence of Messi in the U.S. Open Cup final puts additional pressure on the team as they continue to chase a playoff spot.
The U.S. Open Cup final between Inter Miami CF and Houston Dynamo FC promises to be an intense battle, but it will be a challenge for Miami to secure victory without their star player. Their fate will soon be decided on the field, as the two teams compete for the prestigious Cup.
(Note: Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.)