Just hours ago, Inter Miami played in the finals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against Houston Dynamo. Sadly, the absence of Lionel Messi proved costly as they suffered a 2-1 loss at DRV PNK Stadium. Following the match, Tata Martino offered an update on the injured Argentinian superstar that could jeopardize their MLS playoff hopes.

Already disheartened by the loss in the prestigious tournament, Inter Miami fans now face even more disappointing news regarding Messi’s status. This may also crash their MLS playoffs hope with just five games remaining.

Heartbreaking update on Lionel Messi as Miami’s MLS Playoffs in trouble

Messi couldn’t make it to today’s Miami squad that faced Houston in the US Open Cup finals. The skipper hasn’t seen action since September 21 when he left the pitch against Toronto. Even after missing the next game against Orlando, he couldn’t recover in time. This leads to a bigger question: when can fans expect his return?

Luckily, Miami Herald journalist Michelle Kaufman opened today’s press conference by asking about Messi’s update from Tata Martino. Unfortunately, the Miami boss’s response won’t be pleasing to the fans. He said, “It was not prudent for him to play. Too risky, even for a few minutes. He will play in league games going forward, but will go game by game based on what medical team tells us.”

Tata Martino’s words indicate that he is still unsure when Messi will return to action. While emphasizing the risks of sending him onto the pitch for even a few minutes, the coach revealed that patience is required to bring La Pulga back. Certainly, this suggests that Messi may miss several more upcoming fixtures, which poses a threat to Miami’s MLS playoff hopes.

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Let’s wait and see when the skipper returns to the pitch. In the meantime, here’s a recap of today’s US Open Cup final, which Inter Miami failed to win in the absence of their star player.

Inter Miami loses the US Open Cup final

It was an unfortunate day for Inter Miami as they lost 2-1 in the finals of the US Open Cup. Not only Messi but also marquee defender Jordi Alba missed today’s clash. Speaking of the game, Miami had a shaky start in the first half. Houston took the lead in the 24th minute. Just nine minutes later, the away side had an opportunity to double their lead as they were awarded a penalty.

Regrettably, Miami’s keeper couldn’t save it, giving the Orange Crush a 2-0 lead at the end of the first 45 minutes. In the second half, both sides tried to press each other, with Miami attempting a comeback. Notably, substitute Josef Martinez tried to inspire his side to a comeback by scoring in injury time. However, it was too late as the referee blew the final whistle, crowning Houston as the champions.

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