Lionel Messis Participation in US Open Cup Final Remains Uncertain

In the lead-up to the highly anticipated U.S. Open Cup final between Inter Miami and Houston Dynamo FC, the key question revolved around whether football legend Lionel Messi would be fit to play.

Recent developments regarding Messi's injury had left fans and experts speculating about his availability for this crucial match.

Inter Miami's coach, Gerardo Tata Martino, has not definitively ruled out Messi's chances of participating in the final showdown. Instead, he leaves the decision pending until closer to the game, indicating that Messi's involvement would be determined at the last moment.

Messi's last appearance for Inter Miami had seen him leaving the field in the 37th minute due to a reported leg injury during a match against Toronto FC on September 20.

Coach Martino had shed some light on the situation, stating, "The decision will be made based on how he's feeling tomorrow."

He had also mentioned that defender Jordi Alba remained uncertain to start in the final. Both Messi and Alba had been substituted in the first half during the Toronto FC match and had not traveled with the squad for the subsequent game against Orlando City SC.

Reports had suggested that Messi's injury might be related to old scar tissue, while Alba had been struggling with muscle soreness.

Martino had highlighted the complexity of the decision-making process, emphasizing, "In this case, we sit with him, asking how he feels. Perhaps other players make a decision, but here, we will arrive at a decision we all agree on. There are questions involving the player, the [U.S. Open Cup] final, and what follows. These three scenarios need to be evaluated; it is not solely about the next game. Risk is always a factor, but we aim to minimize it." 

He also added, "If this were not a final, we wouldn't take any risks. However, this is a final, and it has the potential to secure a title."

The situation has become more critical given Inter Miami's packed schedule, with three games scheduled in the next eight days. The team had set its sights on winning a second trophy this season, having already secured the Leagues Cup.

Apart from the U.S. Open Cup, Inter Miami was resolute in their commitment to delivering impressive performances in the MLS. They were currently positioned in 14th place, lagging New York City FC by five points, as New York City FC had secured the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings. In their upcoming MLS match, Inter Miami had arranged to host New York City FC at Florida's DRV PNK Stadium. As the countdown to the U.S. Open Cup final continues, fans around the world have been eagerly awaiting news on whether Lionel Messi, the iconic figure, could recover in time and grace the grand stage with his presence.

The final outcome had remained uncertain, but one thing had been certain: the football world had been watching closely to see if Messi could once again work his magic on the big stage.