Will Lionel Messi lift the 45th trophy of his career?
Inter Miami will face the Houston Dynamo in the U.S. Open Cup Final for the 2023 season at DRV PNK Stadium in Miami, USA, on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Messi parted ways with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer. Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal and his hometown team Barcelona were among his potential destinations, but his choice came as a surprise. It was Miami of the American Major League Soccer (MLS). The money is astronomical and the location is perfect for his family.
Messi hasn’t even had a chance to adjust, and he’s taking the entire continent by storm. With Messi in his arms, Miami was transformed. Sitting at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, Miami went on to win the League Cup, defeating Cruz Azul (2-1), Atlanta United (4-0), Orlando City (3-1), FC Dallas (4-4 draw, 5-3 on penalties), Charlotte (4-0), Philadelphia Union (4-1), and Nashville (1-1 draw, 10-9 on penalties).
Hard carry, literally. Messi racked up a whopping 11 offensive points (10 goals, 1 assist) in seven games. Miami scored 22 goals and conceded eight in seven League Cup games. No one thought Miami, who were considered the underdogs in all of MLS, would make it all the way to the League Cup final. It’s a miracle that was accomplished by one player, Messi.
Miami and Messi are going for another championship. It’s the US Open Cup, which has been around for over 100 years. Their opponents are Houston, who are fourth in the MLS Western Conference and 11th overall. Never one to take anything for granted, Miami will once again be counting on Messi.
However, his availability is uncertain. Messi was injured last week against Toronto and then left the match against Orlando City. According to the BBC, “Miami coach Gerardo Martino said he could take a risk against Houston. He insists Messi and Jordi Alba are doubtful but could return for the final,” the BBC reported.
According to the outlet, Martino said, “We will decide tomorrow if Messi is fit or not. Normally we wouldn’t take risks, but it’s a final, so it’s a possibility,” Martino said. The presence or absence of Messi will be crucial for the team’s chances in the final. 메이저놀이터