Inter Miami Injury Report: Is Lionel Messi Playing in the US Open Cup Final?
By Jeremiah Santos
(Photo : Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - Lionel Messi (#10) of Inter Miami looks on before the match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on September 20, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has missed several games for the past few weeks, including three MLS fixtures for his club and one for his country, Argentina, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches due to apparent muscle fatigue.
The World Cup winner attempted a comeback against Toronto FC on Wednesday, September 20, but it was short-lived after the game in the 37th minute, visibly feeling discomfort in his right leg.
After the club Leagues Cup tournament last month, they now have an opportunity to win their second trophy since the Argentine icon arrived in Miami last July.
Inter Miami will return to action on Wednesday, September 27, for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final against the Houston Dynamo in their home at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi injury status
The 36-year-old will be a game-time decision in the final, Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino.
The Argentine manager said that the team will assess Messi's status before the game while adding that teammate Jordi Alba is doubtful for the match.
Martino noted that the high-stakes nature of the game forces them to try and field Messi in the game.
"If it wasn't a final, we wouldn't take any risk, but because it is a final, there is a chance we take that risk," the 60-year-old added.
