The excitement was palpable as Inter Miami CF prepared to face off against Houston Dynamo FC in the highly anticipated U.S. Open Cup final at DRV PNK Stadium. However, to the dismay of fans, Lionel Messi, the team’s star player, was absent from the squad. This absence was due to a muscle injury that Messi had sustained while playing for Argentina. The disappointment was further amplified as his former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba, was also unavailable due to his own injury. Both players were spotted in street clothes in the stands shortly after kickoff, leaving fans frustrated and hoping for an unexpected twist of fate.
Inter Miami was making their second bid for a trophy after their victorious campaign in the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament. The team had propelled themselves into the spotlight, representing the MLS against Liga MX teams and emerging as champions. On the other hand, Houston Dynamo FC was eager to add a second U.S. Open Cup title to their trophy case, having previously clinched the prestigious honor in 2018. With an excited crowd already present in the Fort Lauderdale area, hopes were high for a thrilling match.
The significance of Lionel Messi’s absence was evident in the sea of jerseys adorning the stands. Thousands of fans had gathered, proudly donning Messi’s name on their backs, either in the iconic blue and white of Argentina or the vibrant pink of Inter Miami. They eagerly awaited the arrival of the team buses, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol. Unfortunately, this anticipation was met with disappointment as Messi was nowhere to be seen. The absence of such a star player undoubtedly left a void, leading to frustration for those who had invested heavily in ticket prices on secondary markets.
Ticket prices for the Cup final had skyrocketed, with links to sales posted on the team’s social media platforms just days before the match. The secondary market boasted prices ranging from $145 to a staggering $4,000. As kick-off drew closer, the reality of Messi’s absence likely hit many fans who had hoped to witness his genius on the field. Consequently, their expensive investments seemed to be in vain.
Lionel Messi’s presence in Inter Miami’s lineup had been inconsistent since his return from international duty with Argentina. Upon his arrival, he faced a setback in the form of a leg injury related to an old scar tissue problem. This ailment forced him to miss the match against Atlanta United on September 16th. In a subsequent game against Toronto FC on September 20th, Messi attempted to play but was withdrawn after just 30 minutes due to the persistent discomfort. Despite his early exit, Inter Miami managed an extraordinary 4-0 victory.
The impact of Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in July through a groundbreaking deal cannot be understated. His presence had injected a newfound energy and hope into the team. At the time of the U.S. Open Cup final, Miami found themselves five points adrift of New York City FC in the standings for the final playoff spot. With only five games left to play and a two-game advantage in hand, every match counted. The absence of Messi in such a crucial game undoubtedly added pressure to the team’s already dwindling hopes.
It is clear that Lionel Messi’s journey at Inter Miami has experienced its fair share of obstacles. From the initial excitement surrounding his arrival to the disappointment of his recurring injuries, the road has been anything but smooth. However, it is essential to acknowledge the undeniable impact that Messi has had on the team, both on and off the field. His absence in the U.S. Open Cup final was a significant blow to the team and its fans, but it is imperative to remain optimistic and hopeful for Messi’s swift recovery and triumphant return. In the face of adversity, Inter Miami must gather its strength and continue to fight for their MLS Cup playoff dreams, with or without their star player.
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