Lionel Messi makes Inter Miami sweat ahead of US Open Cup final with latest concern
Inter Miami trio Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba were left out of the MLS club’s draw against Orlando City SC just days ahead of the US Open Cup final.
Lionel Messi was forced to miss Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC last night with an injury, leaving the club sweating ahead of the US Open Cup final on Wednesday.
The World Cup winner was joined by former Barcelona duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba on the sidelines, with all three not even being named amongst the substitutes.
After a trio of results had opened the door for Miami to make up ground in the playoffs chase, a draw represented a missed opportunity. Miami are currently in 14th place with five points separating Tata Martino’s team and ninth-place New York City, who have played two more games than their rivals.
Both teams started the game slowly with the first goal not coming until the 52nd minute. Midfielder David Ruiz broke the deadlock after tapping home following Josef Martínez’s saved shot.
Just minutes later Orlando forward Duncan McGuire scored the equaliser with a well-placed strike that rolled between goalkeeper Drake Callender’s legs.
Despite coming away with a point Miami will be left reeling with another two points needed to see the team rise into 11th place. The result also comes off the back of league rivals DC United, Montreal and Charlotte FC all suffering defeats.
Adding more fuel to the fire was the absence of Messi, Busquets and Alba, with the Argentine still suffering from an injury. Both Busquets and Alba are believed to have been rested ahead of the final due to the hectic schedule.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner suffered a knock in Miam’s 4-0 win over Toronto last week, forcing him to be substituted in the 37th minute. The injury could not have come at a worse time with Miami eyeing their second piece of silverware this season in the US Open Cup final.
Miami won the club’s first trophy earlier in the summer after defeating Nashville in the Leagues Cup final and will be looking to add to their collection, with or without their star forward.
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino was asked after the draw against Orlando if he could give a percentage on Messi being fit for the final. “It’s very difficult to give him a percentage because we have to take it day by day,” he said.
“We will continue to evaluate him and, as I always say, I will listen to him first and see how he’s feeling. 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.”
