Inter Miami Lose US Open Cup Final Without Lionel Messi
By Jeremiah Santos
(Photo : Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - Lionel Messi (#10) of Inter Miami reacts during the first half of their match against Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium on September 20, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Inter Miami failed to capture their second trophy in club history, Houston Dynamo, 2-1, in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final held in their home at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Argentine icon Lionel Messi and Spanish left-back Jordi Alba were both sidelined due to injuries, while summer signing Sergio Busquets played in the game.
"It was clearly not prudent for him to play, not even for a few minutes. We couldn't take the risk. But he will surely play again before the end of the season," Inter Miami manager Tata Martino said after the loss.
Before this game, Messi had already missed three of Miami's last four games due to muscle fatigue.
The Argentine tactician Messi's availability will be determined on a game-by-game basis, based upon the feedback from the medical team regarding his injury.
Inter Miami are looking to rise up the MLS standings to qualify for the playoffs, where they are currently in 14th place in the Eastern Conference with 32 points.
Houston Dynamo wins Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Houston courtesy of winger Griffin Dorsey in the 24th minute and a penalty by midfielder Amine Bassi in the 33rd minute to build the cushion.
Inter Miami striker Josef Martinez managed to score a goal in second-half stoppage time, but despite the effort, it wasn't enough for the men in pink shirts.
