Houston Dynamo Win US Open Cup Final Despite Lionel Messi’s Injury
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Houston Dynamo have won the US Open Cup Final, despite the absence of injured star Lionel Messi. The 36-year-old forward was substituted in Miami’s last game against Toronto FC due to an “old injury”, and watched from the stands as his team lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in the final in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Houston took the lead with goals from Griffin Dorsey and an Amine Bassi penalty, before Josef Martinez scored a consolation for Miami in stoppage time. 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 due to 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. He added that 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 has scored 11 goals and provided five assists for the MLS franchise since joining in July after his Paris St-Germain contract expired.
Houston Dynamo Celebrate US Open Cup Win
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Houston Dynamo celebrated their US Open Cup win with a victory parade in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The team was greeted by a large crowd of supporters who cheered and waved flags as they made their way through the streets.
The players were presented with medals and trophies to commemorate their victory, and were joined by their families and friends for the celebration.
Houston Dynamo manager Tab Ramos said: “This is a great moment for our team and our fans. We are proud of our players and what they have achieved this season.”
The team also paid tribute to Lionel Messi, who was unable to take part in the final due to injury. Ramos said: “We know that Lionel is a great player and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Injury Woes for Inter Miami Continue
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The injury woes for Inter Miami continue, with Lionel Messi’s absence from the US Open Cup Final being the latest setback for the team. Jordi Alba also missed the game due to injury, and Messi was substituted in Miami’s last game against Toronto FC due to an “old injury”.
Miami manager Gerardo Martino said Argentina World Cup winner Messi’s return to full fitness was the club’s top priority. He said: “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.”
Martino added that 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.
Conclusion
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Houston Dynamo have won the US Open Cup Final, despite Lionel Messi’s injury ruling him out of the game. The team celebrated their victory with a parade in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and paid tribute to Messi who has been a key player for Inter Miami since joining in July.
The injury woes for Inter Miami continue, with Messi’s absence from the US Open Cup Final being the latest setback for the team. Miami manager Gerardo Martino said Messi’s return to full fitness was the club’s top priority, and he will “certainly play before the league is over”.