Inter Miami lost the US Open Cup final without Lionel Messi. The Houston Dynamo was too strong for the Florida team, with a score of 2-1. Argentine star Messi was in the stands in Fort Lauderdale due to injury.
Griffin Dorsey gave the Houston Dynamo the lead midway through the first half and more than half an hour later Amine Bassi made it 2-0 from the penalty spot. Josef Martinez gave Inter Miami hope in stoppage time, but Messi’s club was unable to equalize. Much to the delight of NBA star James Harden, co-owner of the Houston club. The Philadelphia 76ers basketball player celebrated the ceremony widely.
Messi (36 years old) also recently missed Argentina’s international match against Bolivia and the league match against Atlanta United. Fatigue was then cited as a reason. According to coach Gerardo Martino, Messi was substituted as a precaution against Toronto last week. The coach said at the time that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would miss last weekend’s match against Orlando City, and his participation in the America’s Cup final was in doubt. “He doesn’t go near the field if he’s not fit. We’re careful,” Martino said.
The US Open Cup is the oldest cup tournament in the United States, and is comparable to the FA Cup in England. Last month, Inter Miami won the League Cup.
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