Lionel Messi Ruled Out of Inter Miami Squad for US Open Cup Final

Lionel Messi failed to take part in Inter Miami’s U.S. Open Cup final match due to injury issues. Messi’s absence proved to be costly as Inter Miami conceded a 1-2 defeat to Houston Dynamo at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida. Following the defeat, Inter Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino said that Messi will return to action this season.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi looks through the glass wall of a private box at the start of the team's U.S. Open Cup final (AP)

“It was clearly not prudent for him to play, not even for a few minutes. We couldn't take the risk. But he will surely play again before the end of the season. His participation will be determined game by game based on the medical team's feedback,” Martino was quoted as saying by ESPN.