The renowned Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has been officially removed from Inter Miami’s lineup for Wednesday’s US Open Cup final matchup against Houston Dynamo.
The championship game has begun.
The team supported this choice since Messi, who had been dealing with an ailment, was deemed unfit to play. After being absent from the team’s most recent 1-1 tie with Orlando City due to injury, questions have been raised about his ability to compete in the championship game.
Since Messi’s return from Argentina’s recent international tour earlier this month, his physical condition has been a cause of concern. On September 7, Messi was replaced in the last seconds of Argentina’s South American World Cup qualifying game against Ecuador. Then, five days later, he missed their game against Bolivia.
The 36-year-old football player also skipped a game on September 16 against Atlanta because of alleged “muscle fatigue.” Four days later, he played again against Toronto, but was taken off the field after just 37 minutes.
Jordi Alba, a former colleague of Messi’s at Barcelona, was not included in Inter Miami’s starting lineup that was announced on Wednesday. The team will be under even more stress for the vital US Open Cup final game as a result of this twin blow.
The US Open Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the US, having been founded in 1914. It is a storied knockout competition open to both amateur and professional clubs.
Throughout its long history, this important tournament has seen tense competition and memorable sporting moments.
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