27 September 2023 , 23:54
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Inter Miami will have to play their second final in franchise history without Lionel Messi, with the 36-year-old not fit enough to make the squad.
After being rested for Miami's 5-2 defeat against Atlanta United on September 16 he returned to face Toronto FC, but was subbed off with an injury. It meant that he missed the 1-1 draw against Orlando City in a tense Florida derby, but Miami were hopeful that he would be fit to play in Wednesday's final.
Miami face Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final, with Messi a big reason they're there after completely changing the franchise since signing as a free agent this summer. But Messi has not been cleared to play, and fellow team-mate and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba is also out.
Sergio Busquets is fit and starts, but there will be no Messi magic on Wednesday night. Messi helped Miami win their first ever trophy as they beat Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup Final back in August, but DeAndre Yedlin reclaims the captains armband for now.
It was always expected that Messi wouldn't start on Wednesday, but fans were hopeful that they'd at least see their new hero come off the bench. Tickets for the final were being sold at for $304 (£250) on average, with the most expensive seats selling for $1,300 (£1,071).
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DRV PNK Stadium is also expected to be a sell out, and although the prices may be worth it to see another piece of history, it won't be inspired by Messi. Miami manager Gerardo Martino did hint that Messi may not feature, as they continue to evaluate his condition.
"It’s very difficult to give him a percentage because we have to take it day by day," Martino said when being asked how likely it was Messi would play before the game. "We’ll continue to evaluate him and, as I always say, I will listen to him first and see how he’s feeling.
Messi got injured against Toronto FC after being rested against Atlanta (Getty Images)"Then we’ll also need to evaluate future risks. It’s not an easy decision, but we’re going to take the right amount of time to try to not make a mistake."
It appears the risk was too high, but Miami have still only lost one game without the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner since he signed. Messi hasn't featured properly since the international break, where his free kick earned Argentina a 1-0 win over Ecuador.
After the US Open Cup final Miami have five games remaining this season, and they're still five points off the playoffs in Major League Soccer. It may be too far out of their reach, but a full offseason for Messi could be the best thing for both player and franchise.