Inter Miami: Lionel Messi Gets Concerning Injury Update for US Open Cup Final

Inter Miami CF coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino has revealed that Lionel Messi's participation in the upcoming Lamar Hunt US Open Cup final will be determined just before the game, according to ESPN.

Martino made this announcement on Tuesday, as his team is set to face the formidable Houston Dynamo FC on Wednesday.

Additionally, Martino noted that there are doubts about Jordi Alba's availability for the match.

Both Messi and Alba, former Barcelona teammates, had started in last Wednesday's 4-0 victory over Toronto FC.

However, they were forced to leave the game late in the first half and did not travel with the team for Sunday's 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC.

Lionel Messi injury has been described as an issue related to old scar tissue, and Alba is still grappling with muscle soreness.

When asked about the decision-making process regarding Messi's participation, Martino emphasized it as a collective effort.

"In this case, we sit down with him to discuss how he feels," Martino stated. "Perhaps in other situations, one player makes the call, but here, we arrive at a decision together."

No Surgery Required for Lionel Messi's Injury

Regarding the need for surgery to address Lionel Messi injury, Martino clarified during a news conference on Wednesday that surgery is not required, USA TODAY noted.

He stated, "He doesn't need surgery or anything of that sort. It's a matter of how much time the player needs to rest before being fit to play the next game."

Despite their absence during the initial 15 minutes of media-open practice on Tuesday, Martino confirmed that Messi and Alba did join their teammates on the field for training after the media departed.

Martino even shared a light-hearted moment, saying, "They came out after you all left," with a smile.

Martino acknowledged that if it were not for the high-stakes final, Messi would not be taking the field.

However, because Inter Miami is competing in a championship match, the possibility is under consideration.

Martino explained, "When we talk about Leo, we are constantly evaluating risks, and we aim to minimize those risks.

If it weren't a final, we wouldn't take any chances. But because it is a final, there is a possibility that we might take that risk."

Lionel Messi Injury and Inter Miami

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner sustained an untimely injury while representing Argentina in 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, said GOAL.

Since then, he has been limited to just 37 minutes of game time, including an early exit in a match against Toronto FC, and has missed games against Atlanta United and Orlando City.

Inter Miami undoubtedly faces a different challenge without Lionel Messi, as he is widely regarded as the world's best player and a key contributor to the team, Miami Herald reports.

However, recent victories over Kansas City and Toronto in his absence suggest that the team can succeed without him.

Sergio Busquets, a midfielder for Inter Miami, acknowledged the absence of Messi, saying, "Clearly, it's a handicap not having the best player in the world and the difference maker on our team. But we will wait until tomorrow, and hopefully, there is a chance he can be there to help us. If not, surely other players will step up to help us be the better team."

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Messi's availability, Houston coach Ben Olsen is preparing his team as if Messi will indeed play.

Since Lionel Messi's arrival, Inter Miami has only lost one game, and he has contributed significantly with 11 goals and eight assists during this period.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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