Inter Miami may ‘risk’ injured Lionel Messi in US Open Cup final

Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino has said the club could “take a risk” on star forward Lionel Messi in Wednesday’s US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo.

The Argentine forward was forced off with an injury after 37 minutes against Toronto FC and sat out Monday’s draw at Orlando City.

“We will decide tomorrow based on how he’s feeling,” Martino said.


Martino also said Messi had triggered an old injury but noted that he could make a return for the MLS side in the final.


Martino added, “Here, there are questions. The player, the [US Open Cup] final, and what comes after. 


These three scenarios have to be evaluated; it is not just about the next game. Risk is always there, but we try to decrease the margin of risk.

“If it wasn’t a final, we wouldn’t take any risk, but because it is a final, there is a chance we take that risk.”


However, the manager confirmed that defender Jordi Alba is doubtful for the fixture.


Messi signed for the MLS franchise in July after his contract with Paris St-Germain expired.

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