Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami in the US Open Cup Final? Know about the challenges he's facing

Will Lionel Messi join Inter Miami when they take on Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, 27 September at DRV PNK Stadium in the US Open Cup final? This question was raised after Inter Miami drew the Sunday match 1-1 against Orlando. Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordan Alba did not play in that match which Orlando dominated. It is believed that Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino decided not to risk his star players just three days before the final.

Is Messi struggling with a problem?

But eyebrows were raised when the Argentine head coach revealed before the clash with Orlando that Messi was "struggling with an old scar tissue problem". He also said that Alba had 'muscular fatigue'. Busquets too did not appear as he had been suffering from migraines.


When asked if Messi will be able to play in the US Open Cup final against Houston, Martino said, "It is very difficult to put a percentage as to what the chances are that he could play because we are taking it day by day."

Is Messi to be evaluated?

He said further, "We will evaluate him, and I will first listen to what he says as to how he feels. We then have to evaluate what the future risks are. It is not an easy decision, but we will take the appropriate amount of time to make sure we do not make a mistake."

Miami in the US Open Cup final

Inter Miami staged a coup in US soccer this year by acquiring Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. After this acquisition, Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup, reached the final of the US Open Cup, and climbed off the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference and overall standings in just over two months.

Busquets will likely play on Wednesday as he "shouldn’t have any problem". But will the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner take to the field?

FAQs:

Which three big players did Inter Miami acquire this year?
Major League Soccer team Inter Miami acquired Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets this year. They helped Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup, reach the final of the US Open Cup and climb off the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference and overall standings in just over two months.

When Inter Miami play their next match?
Inter Miami take on Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, 27 September at DRV PNK Stadium in the US Open Cup final.