Houston Dynamo Triumph Over Inter Miami in US Open Cup Final Without Injured Lionel Messi
The US Open Cup final between Inter Miami and Houston Dynamo was a thrilling affair, but the result was marred by the absence of injured star Lionel Messi. The 36-year-old forward was substituted against Toronto FC last week due to an “old injury” and sat out Miami’s draw at Orlando City on Monday. Despite his absence, the match still provided plenty of excitement as Houston Dynamo won 2-1.
## Houston Dynamo Secure US Open Cup Victory
Griffin Dorsey and an Amine Bassi penalty put Houston 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 clinching their second US Open Cup in five years. Houston goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made three saves to secure the victory.
## Messi’s Absence
The injured Messi watched from the stands as Inter Miami lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in the final of US Open Cup. Miami’s Spain defender Jordi Alba also missed the game because of injury. 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.
## Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami
Messi has scored 11 goals and provided five assists for the MLS franchise since joining in July after his Paris St-Germain contract expired. His presence has been a major boost for Inter Miami, who have been struggling to make an impact in their first season in the MLS. The team currently sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, but with Messi back on the pitch, they will be hoping to make a late push for the play-offs.
The US Open Cup final between Inter Miami and Houston Dynamo was an exciting match, but it was overshadowed by the absence of injured star Lionel Messi. Despite his absence, Houston Dynamo were able to secure a 2-1 victory and clinch their second US Open Cup in five years. Miami manager Gerardo Martino said Messi’s return to full fitness is the club’s top priority and he will “certainly play before the league is over”. Messi has been a major boost for Inter Miami since joining in July and his presence will be crucial if they are to make a late push for the play-offs.