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MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Leagues Cup Semifinal-Inter Miami CF at Philadelphia Union Aug 15, 2023 Chester, PA, USA Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi 10 reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Union during the first half at Subaru Park. Chester Subaru Park PA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBillxStreicherx 20230815_jcd_sq4_0217

via Imago
MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Leagues Cup Semifinal-Inter Miami CF at Philadelphia Union Aug 15, 2023 Chester, PA, USA Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi 10 reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Union during the first half at Subaru Park. Chester Subaru Park PA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBillxStreicherx 20230815_jcd_sq4_0217
Inter Miami is a few hours away from the highly anticipated US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo. The question mark around Lionel Messi and his participation remains uncertain in this second upcoming final of the season. Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s boss expresses concerns regarding their veteran defender, further dampening their hope of winning this pivotal game.
La Pulga and the $4,220,000-rich star made a significant impact in the Leagues Cup, but their availability in the US Open Cup final is highly uncertain. So what are the latest updates on the former Barcelona teammates?
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Inter Miami shares updates on their Spanish icon
Jordi Alba was absent from the training session one day prior to the US Open Cup final. Earlier, the Spanish legend had to exit in the first half of their MLS victory against Toronto. He was also kept out in their recent fixture against Orlando City FC. Miami confirmed that Alba suffered muscle fatigue due to consecutive appearances for the Herons. Additionally, Tata Martino remarked the 34-year-old icon still requires more time for recovery and is uncertain to participate in the final.
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino lists Jordi Alba as doubtful for Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup final, while Lionel Messi will be a game-time decision.
"We are going to wait on Leo until the last moment." 👀 pic.twitter.com/h2WIQmGE2g
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 26, 2023
Gerardo Martino acknowledged they will have a shift in their game plan, with Alba highly improbable in the match. The fullback alters the offensive strategy by exploiting the available spaces from the wing position. As a result, the Barca icon’s absence could pose a significant worry for Beckham’s men in the US Open Cup final. Meanwhile, the Herons coach also provided insights on Lionel Messi in their pre-match press conference.
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Will Lionel Messi feature in the US Open Cup final?
Gerardo Martino will withhold his final decision for La Pulga’s involvement in the final until the last possible moment. The fans eagerly anticipated Messi’s talismanic impact to secure their first-ever US Open Cup. However, the soccer veteran’s scar tissue injury after returning from international duty raised doubt about his availability. Similar to Alba, the Argentine only had 37 minutes of action, missing MLS games against Atlanta United and Orlando City.
I asked Tata Martino what is going on with Lionel Messi given overall the lack of clarity:
“There are few weekly reports at all clubs as to injuries, who traveled, who didn’t.
“… I have to give info that could change the opponent’s game plan. Why should I give that info if I… pic.twitter.com/YQH39hm1MN
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) September 26, 2023
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Martino remarked in the press conference, “I have to give info that could change the opponent’s game plan. Why should I give that info if I can keep it to myself”. He also added, “I know that goes against people’s interests as to buy tickets or not, but we have to prioritize things as they are”. Lionel Messi’s absence in the training session also ignited his condition before heading into the game. Do you think Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi would feature in the US Open Cup final? Comment below and let us know.
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