Lionel Messi’s Leg Issue Continues as Inter Miami Falls Short in U.S. Open Cup Final
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s roster for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston on Wednesday night marked the fourth match the star player missed as he continues to deal with a recurring leg issue. While it is unclear whether Messi will return for Inter Miami’s upcoming push to secure a spot in Major League Soccer’s playoffs, his prolonged absence has raised concerns about the severity of his condition.
The 36-year-old forward was substituted during a match against Toronto on September 20 due to the leg issue and did not play in the team’s 1-1 draw against Orlando on Sunday. This absence marked the third match in two weeks that Messi missed completely, two for club and one for country, suggesting that the problem may be more serious than initially anticipated.
Joining Messi on the sidelines for the U.S. Open Cup final was Jordi Alba, another high-profile addition to Inter Miami’s lineup. Alba is currently nursing a leg injury, and it remains uncertain when he will be fit to return for upcoming matches.
Messi’s leg issue has resulted in his absence from vital games, including Argentina’s World Cup qualifying win against Bolivia on September 12 and Inter Miami’s 5-2 loss to Atlanta United on September 16. Although he made a brief return to the pitch on September 20, he was unable to complete the first half before being substituted. Moreover, he sat out the Sunday match entirely.
Despite heavy rainfall in the Fort Lauderdale area on Wednesday afternoon, numerous fans, many sporting Messi jerseys, arrived early to witness the team buses’ arrival for the Cup final. However, their hopes of seeing Messi lift another trophy were dashed as he did not feature in the match. This disappointment was evident in the ticket prices on the secondary market, which ranged from $145 to nearly $4,000, indicating that fans were willing to invest substantial amounts to witness Messi in action.
Inter Miami is still in contention for a spot in MLS’ playoffs, with three upcoming matches on the horizon. They will host New York City FC on Saturday, travel to face Chicago on October 4, and then return home to play against Cincinnati on October 7. Currently trailing NYCFC by five points for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, Inter Miami’s chances of success in these matches are crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Tata Martino confirmed that a decision regarding Messi’s availability for the upcoming MLS matches had not yet been made and that further discussions would occur after the U.S. Open Cup final.
Messi, who signed a 2-1/2 year contract with Inter Miami worth between $125 million and $150 million, has made 12 appearances for the team, primarily in Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup competitions. During these matches, he has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists. In four MLS matches, he has contributed one goal and two assists.
As Inter Miami eagerly awaits Messi’s return, his absence has undoubtedly raised concerns about the team’s performance and their chances of securing a playoff spot. Whether Messi will recover in time to aid his team’s push in the coming weeks remains uncertain, leaving Inter Miami and their fans anxious for his return to full fitness and on-field dominance.
