It was a disappointing sight for fans as they eagerly awaited the U.S. Open Cup final showdown between Inter Miami CF and Houston Dynamo FC. Lionel Messi, the star player of Inter Miami, was conspicuously missing from the squad due to a lingering muscle injury he picked up while representing Argentina. The absence of Messi dealt a severe blow to Inter Miami’s chances of securing the coveted trophy.
Adding to Inter Miami’s woes, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba, was also unavailable for the final. Alba, like Messi, was dealing with an injury of his own. As a result, both players were seen in the stands, wearing street clothes, shortly after kickoff. The absence of two key players undoubtedly weakened Inter Miami’s lineup for the crucial match.
Despite the absence of Messi and Alba, Inter Miami had high hopes of clinching their second trophy. Having already emerged victorious in the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament between MLS and Liga MX teams, Inter Miami was eager to add another trophy to their cabinet. On the other hand, Houston Dynamo FC aimed to secure their second U.S. Open Cup title after winning it in 2018.
Passionate fans had gathered in large numbers in the Fort Lauderdale area, donning Messi jerseys in both the iconic blue and white of Argentina and the vibrant pink of Inter Miami. This enthusiasm was evident long before the gates opened for the Cup final, with many eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite players. However, the absence of Messi left many fans disappointed, especially those who had splurged on expensive tickets from secondary markets. Prices ranged from $145 to nearly $4,000 just an hour before the match.
Messi has been grappling with fitness concerns since his return from international duty with Argentina. A recurring leg injury, related to old scar tissue, has hindered his consistency on the field. He was notably absent from Inter Miami’s loss against Atlanta United on September 16 and was subsequently withdrawn from a game against Toronto FC on September 20 after just 30 minutes of play. Despite his early exit, Inter Miami managed to secure a resounding 4-0 victory in that match.
Interestingly, Alba’s substitution due to muscle fatigue took place just before Messi’s premature exit in the game against Toronto FC, further exacerbating Inter Miami’s concerns. Manager Gerardo Martino confirmed that neither Messi nor Alba would feature in an upcoming game against Orlando City. While Inter Miami managed to salvage a draw in that match, their MLS Cup playoff hopes remained uncertain.
Since joining Inter Miami in July through a lucrative deal, Messi has made a significant impact on the team. His presence and stellar performances have been instrumental in propelling Inter Miami up the standings. With five games remaining and trailing New York City FC by just five points, Inter Miami still has a chance to secure the final playoff spot. However, Messi’s absence in the U.S. Open Cup final dealt a severe blow to their aspirations.
The absence of Lionel Messi from Inter Miami’s squad for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo FC was a major setback for the team. Furthermore, the absence of Jordi Alba compounded Inter Miami’s difficulties. Despite their absence, both players were seen as the match unfolded, leaving fans disappointed, especially those who had invested heavily in tickets. Inter Miami’s hopes of securing a second trophy were dashed, and their MLS Cup playoff ambitions hung in the balance. Nonetheless, Messi’s impact on the team since his arrival has been undeniable, and Inter Miami will undoubtedly miss his presence on the field as they push for a playoff spot in the coming games.
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