# Houston Dynamo Wins US Open Cup Despite Lionel Messi’s Injury
Houston Dynamo won the US Open Cup despite Lionel Messi’s injury, as the injured Barcelona legend watched from the stands. The final match against Inter Miami ended 2-1 in favor of Houston Dynamo, with Griffin Dorsey and an Amine Bassi penalty putting them 2-0 up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Josef Martinez scored a consolation for Miami in stoppage time.
## Messi’s Injury
Forward Messi, 36, was substituted against Toronto FC last week because of an “old injury” and sat out Miami’s draw at Orlando City on Monday. Miami manager Gerardo Martino said Argentina World Cup winner Messi’s return to full fitness was the club’s top priority.
“It was not prudent for him to play. We couldn’t even consider playing him for a few minutes because we would be taking risks,” said former Barcelona and Argentina boss Martino. Martino said Messi will “certainly play before the league is over”. The regular MLS season ends on 21 October, with the play-offs taking place from 25 October to 9 December.
## Houston Dynamo’s Win
Houston goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made three saves as Dynamo clinched their second US Open Cup in five years. Miami’s Spain defender Jordi Alba also missed the game because of injury. Messi has scored 11 goals and provided five assists for the MLS franchise since joining in July after his Paris St-Germain contract expired.
The US Open Cup is a tournament open to all professional and amateur soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. It is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States and is among the oldest in the world. The tournament has been contested annually since 1914.
Houston Dynamo’s win marks the second time they have won the US Open Cup, and it is a testament to their strength as a team. Despite the absence of two of their star players, they were able to come out on top and secure the victory.
## Conclusion
Houston Dynamo won the US Open Cup despite Lionel Messi’s injury, with Griffin Dorsey and an Amine Bassi penalty putting them 2-0 up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Josef Martinez scored a consolation for Miami in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Houston from securing their second US Open Cup victory in five years. Houston Dynamo’s win is a testament to their strength as a team, and it will be interesting to see how they fare in the upcoming MLS season.