In the thrilling showdown of the US Open Cup final, Inter Miami faced off against Houston Dynamo, but the spotlight was on one notable absence – the iconic Lionel Messi. The 36-year-old forward, who had been nursing an “old injury,” found himself on the sidelines, unable to take the pitch alongside his teammates.
Despite Messi’s absence, the match was anything but lackluster. Griffin Dorsey and a well-executed Amine Bassi penalty showcased Houston Dynamo’s prowess, propelling them to a 2-0 lead in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The tension was palpable as Miami fought valiantly to narrow the deficit.
In the dying moments of the game, Josef Martinez provided a glimmer of hope for the Miami faithful, slotting home a consolation goal in stoppage time. However, it wasn’t enough to alter the course of the match.
A pivotal figure in this clash was Houston goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell, who pulled off three crucial saves, securing a memorable victory for Dynamo. This triumph marked Houston’s second US Open Cup win in just five years, a testament to their prowess in the tournament.
But Messi wasn’t the only notable absentee for Miami; their Spain defender, Jordi Alba, was also sidelined due to injury. Manager Gerardo Martino emphasized that Messi’s full recovery was their top priority, making the decision to keep him out of the action a prudent one.
“It was not prudent for him to play,” Martino explained. “We couldn’t even consider playing him for a few minutes because we would be taking risks.” Martino, a former Barcelona and Argentina boss, remained optimistic about Messi’s return, assuring fans that they would see the football legend in action before the MLS league season concluded.
The regular MLS season is set to conclude on October 21st, with the playoffs commencing from October 25th to December 9th. Messi’s arrival in MLS has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Argentine maestro contributing 11 goals and five assists since joining the franchise in July, following the expiration of his Paris St-Germain contract.
While Inter Miami may have fallen short in the US Open Cup final, the anticipation of Messi’s return to the pitch continues to electrify fans, reminding us that even in defeat, there’s always room for a thrilling comeback in the world of sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about US Open Cup Final
Why was Lionel Messi sidelined for the US Open Cup final?
Lionel Messi was sidelined for the US Open Cup final due to an “old injury” that he had been nursing. Inter Miami’s manager, Gerardo Martino, considered it imprudent to risk Messi’s health by playing him, emphasizing that their top priority was his full recovery.
Who were the key players in Houston Dynamo’s victory?
Houston Dynamo’s victory in the US Open Cup final was fueled by Griffin Dorsey and an Amine Bassi penalty that put them 2-0 ahead. Goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell played a crucial role, making three important saves to secure their triumph.
What was the final score of the US Open Cup final?
The final score of the US Open Cup final was 2-1 in favor of Houston Dynamo, with Josef Martinez scoring a consolation goal for Inter Miami in stoppage time.
When can we expect to see Lionel Messi back in action?
Gerardo Martino, Inter Miami’s manager, assured fans that Lionel Messi would return to play before the conclusion of the MLS league season. The regular MLS season ends on October 21st, with the playoffs scheduled from October 25th to December 9th.
How has Lionel Messi performed since joining Inter Miami?
Since joining Inter Miami in July, following the expiration of his Paris St-Germain contract, Lionel Messi has made a significant impact, contributing 11 goals and providing five assists for the MLS franchise.
More about US Open Cup Final
- Lionel Messi’s absence in US Open Cup final
- Houston Dynamo’s US Open Cup victory in 2018
- Inter Miami’s official website
- MLS regular season schedule
- Lionel Messi’s MLS performance stats
