“I Don’t Think They’ll Win” – Injured Lionel Messi’s Absence From US Open Cup Final Will End in Inter Miami’s Defeat, Says American Host

Inter Miami’s fortune in the US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo hangs in doubt. Lionel Messi’s ongoing battle with injury has cast a shadow over Miami’s second championship final this season. On this note, an American journalist remarked on the significant importance of La Pulga for the Herons in the game.

Messi experienced a sudden shift in circumstances after returning from the international break. The former PSG star only played for 37 minutes against Toronto and was absent from the MLS tie against Atlanta United and Orlando City following his return. Consequently, the reporter emphasized the concern that arises for the Herons if the Argentine misses out on the final match.

American host reiterates the importance of Lionel Messi before the Open Cup final

The Argentine icon suffered a scar tissue injury after participating in consecutive international fixtures. In addition to his exclusion from the MLS matches, Messi was not involved in training on the eve of the US Open Cup final. Tensions ignited among fans after his absence from the practice session. The world champion played an important part in clinching their inaugural Leagues Cup this season. Consequently, Aaron West, CBCS journalist, expressed his take on Messi’s impact on the squad and how he is pivotal in securing their second title against the formidable opponent in the finals.

The renowned journalist believes La Pulga could potentially influence the game after turning up in the second half of the US Open Cup. Nonetheless, the Herons could struggle to secure the victory if they fail to receive the offensive boost that Messi typically provides in such a crucial game. Aaron West stated in the interview, “If [Lionel Messi] is not in this match, I don’t think they will win. It will be a game time decision thing from Tata, almost certainly he will be on the bench. Probably we will see him in the 45-minute mark depending on the match is going.”

Meanwhile, Beckham’s side is in limbo with Jordi Alba out with injury as well. This creates an additional challenge for Inter Miami to secure the US Open Cup in their trophy cabinet.

Read more: US Open Cup All-Time List of Champions: Can Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Win USA’s Oldest Soccer Championship?

Inter Miami’s iconic defender doubtful for the finals

Inter Miami’s ongoing injury woes persist with Jordi Alba potentially missing the US Open Cup final. The Spanish left-back is grappling with muscle fatigue and was absent from the recent fixture against Orlando City FC. Apart from Lionel Messi, Alba also did not participate in the training season prior to the final game against Dynamo FC.

Gerardo Martino remarked that the Valencia FC icon needs more time for recovery and is highly unlikely to participate in the final. Jordi Alba’s absence can pose a significant worry for the Herons. However, fans hope that team can deliver Miami with a second title this season, despite the absence of their key veterans from the game.

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