ESPN.com · Sep 28, 2023
Lionel Messi won't play for Inter Miami in Open Cup final
Lionel Messi is out of Inter Miami CF's U.S. Open Cup final showdown with Houston Dynamo FC after he was not named in the squad as he continues to deal with a muscle injury he picked up while playing for Argentina.
Manager Gerardo Martino said Tuesday that whether his star player was available or not would come down to a game-time decision. When the lineup was revealed ahead of the final at DRV PNK Stadium, Messi was not listed on the team sheet.
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Messi's former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba was also unavailable as he deals with an injury of his own, with both players spotted in the stands in street clothes shortly after kickoff.