Lionel Messi (36) had to pass against Houston Dynamo – Photo: / Getty Images
Inter Miami lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in the final of the US Open Cup without star player Lionel Messi (36). After the game, Argentine coach Gerardo Martino (60) explained why the captain was not used.
Lionel Messi currently has to sit out due to a muscle injury. Without its top player, Inter Miami lost the final of the US Open Cup against Houston Dynamo 1-2. Jordi Alba (34) was also missing from the Florida club due to injury.
Martino gives update on Messi
“It wouldn’t be wise to let him play, that’s clear, not even for a few minutes because we would have taken risks,” Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said at a news conference.
However, the 60-year-old plans to play with Messi again before the end of the regular MLS season: “He will definitely play before the end of the league,” he assured. From now on we will see from game to game and define the situation to see at what point the medical department gives the green light.
Gerardo Martino didn’t want to take any risks with Messi – Photo: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com
Miami is running after music in the league
By the time Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, the season was already well underway in the US and Beckham’s club were in last place in the MLS table.
Miami therefore still has a lot of catching up to do in the five remaining games of the MLS regular season in order to somehow get into the playoffs. The next game is next Saturday against New York City.
Inter Miami has 32 points after 29 MLS games and is second to last in the Eastern Conference. New York City, on the other hand, is ninth in the East with 37 points after 31 games and therefore occupies the last playoff spot. For Miami, it’s already an all-or-nothing game.
Sources used
Sports world
2023-09-28 15:01:10
#final #defeat #Coach #justifies #giving #Lionel #Messi
