Inter Miami Coach Announces Lionel Messi's Injury Leads to His Absence from U.S. Open Cup Final

Lionel Messi injury overshadows Inter Miami's big 4-0 win

Lionel Messi's participation in the U.S. Open Cup final is uncertain, and he will definitely miss the MLS match against Orlando City, according to Inter Miami manager Tata Martino.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner made his return to domestic action on Wednesday, his first appearance since sustaining an injury while on World Cup qualifying duty with Argentina. However, Messi could only manage 37 minutes on the pitch before needing to be substituted. Jordi Alba, who had also missed Inter Miami's previous game, was also subbed out early in the match against Toronto FC. Both former Barcelona stars will undergo assessments in the coming days, and no risks will be taken with their fitness for the upcoming derby against Orlando. Decisions about their involvement in the U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo on September 27 will be made later.

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When asked about the fitness status of Messi and Alba following Inter Miami's 4-0 win over Toronto, head coach Martino stated, "We have to take it day by day, wait for the medical report, and listen to what they tell us. We will monitor their progress, and then we will decide. Obviously, there is no chance they will play on Sunday."

Martino also provided some insight into Messi's injury, saying, "Initially, it's an old scar that's bothering him. The image he brought with him from Argentina showed no muscular injury. We also rested him [against Atlanta] because of that scar. I believe it's the same issue, not a muscular injury. But I'm mentioning this based on a conversation I had with him. ... Maybe we need to be more cautious than what I'm saying."

After leaving the field, Alba applied an ice pack to his injured hamstring, while Messi looked frustrated after being substituted before half-time, marking only the eighth time in his illustrious career. When asked if the two players are doubtful for the upcoming U.S. Open Cup final against Houston, Martino emphasized, "I know we have a final, but under no circumstances will they take the field if they are not in suitable condition to do so."

Despite his recent injury setback, Messi has made an immediate impact in the United States, helping Inter Miami secure the Leagues Cup title shortly after his arrival. He has scored 11 goals in 12 appearances for the club, despite not finding the net since August 27.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba Forced to Leave Field Early Due to Injuries

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