Inter Miami worried about losing Messi in the US Cup final

According to coach Tata Martino, captain Lionel Messi is not sure to play when Inter Miami plays Houston Dynamo in the US Cup final on September 28.

"It's difficult to give a percentage for Messi playing in the final because we have to evaluate the situation day by day," Martino said on September 25. "As I always say, I will listen to him first and see how he feels."

Martino also believes that risking Messi in the final, if he has not fully recovered, could pose a risk to the future of the striker himself as well as the Inter Miami team. Therefore, he and the club's medical team will have to consider all factors. "It is not an easy decision, but we will take enough time to try not to make mistakes," added the Inter Miami coach.

Messi shoots the ball after being blocked by two Toronto FC players, before leaving the field during the match on September 20. Photo: USA Today

Messi had a fitness issue while playing for Argentina in early September. After returning to Inter Miami, the 36-year-old striker missed two games against Atlanta United and Orlando City, and played just 37 minutes against Toronto FC. After the match against Toronto FC, Martino confirmed that Messi was in pain and showing signs of overtraining.

Before returning to Argentina for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Messi played 11 games in just over a month for Inter Miami, scoring 11 goals and assisting five, helping his new team win 10 games and draw one, winning the Leagues Cup and reaching the final of the American Cup. The Leagues Cup was also Inter Miami's first title in five years.

In the three games without Messi, Inter Miami beat Sporting Kansas City 3-2, lost 2-5 to Atlanta United and drew 1-1 with Orlando City. In the match against Toronto FC, after Messi left early, the home team DRV PNK won 4-0.

Inter Miami's opponent in the National Cup final is Houston Dynamo, the team currently ranked fourth in the Western Conference of MLS. Meanwhile, Inter Miami is ranked 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference. In the final on September 28, Messi and his teammates have the advantage of playing at home. However, Houston Dynamo has the advantage in the media, having won the MLS championship twice in 2016 and 2017 and the National Cup in 2018.

Thanh Quy (according to Goal )

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