This page contains affiliate links. When you subscribe through the links provided, we may earn a commission.
Lionel Messi Tata Martino Inter Miami splitGetty Images
Ryan Tolmich

There's still hope for Lionel Messi! Tata Martino confirms Inter Miami star could feature in U.S. Open Cup final despite missing training - but Jordi Alba ruled out

Inter Miami CFLionel MessiGerardo MartinoJordi AlbaInter Miami CF vs Houston Dynamo FCHouston Dynamo FCUS Open Cup

Inter Miami boss Tata Martino says that there is still hope that Lionel Messi could feature in the U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo.

  • Messi's status still uncertain
  • Alba likely out
  • Miami face Dynamo in U.S. Open Cup final

WHAT HAPPENED? Messi's status heading into the match is to be determined, as the Inter Miami star continues to recover from an injury suffered during the international break. He returned to the field against Toronto FC on September 20, having missed the club's prior game against Atlanta United, but was taken out early after aggravating his injury.

Messi then missed Miami's 1-1 draw with Orlando City and has not trained in the lead up to the final, but Martino says the Argentine may still feature.

WHAT THEY SAID: "We will wait until tomorrow," Martino said. "Jordi is difficult but with Messi we will wait until tomorrow."

Article continues below

Martino added: "We understand the explanation and the desire to know, but we don't have an issue of wanting to be mysterious or anything like that. If it wasn't Messi, the media wouldn't be asking about him! Nothing has to do with an operation, so no, forget about that. We have to think about how long the player has to stop to play another match.

"If it's not a final, we're not taking any risks. This is a final and it could bring you a title. It could take 90 or 120 minutes, but if it's another game we wouldn't risk it."

Next matches

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi has already led Inter Miami to one trophy since arriving this summer, lifting the Herons during a heroic Leagues Cup run. The club will be looking to win its second piece of silverware in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup final, although the hope of a potential treble looks difficult considering the club's current standing in MLS.

With just five games remaining, there are five teams between Inter Miami and a playoff spot as well as a five-point gap between the Herons and ninth-place NYCFC.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2023GettyTata Martino Inter Miami 2023GettyMessi Alba Inter Miami 2023Getty

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI? Following Wednesday's Open Cup final, Miami will play host to NYCFC on Saturday before visiting the Chicago Fire on October 4 in two matches that will likely determine their playoff hopes.

Sign up here for MLS Season Pass through Apple TV and watch every MLS match, including Lionel Messi's Inter Miami!

Advertisement

Editors' Picks