Lionel Messi will be a game-time decision for Wednesday night’s U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo, according to Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino.
Jordi Alba, a left back, would be unable to participate, said Martino.
Both Messi and Alba have recently struggled with muscle tiredness. Messi participated in only part of the Tuesday training session; Alba did not.
Martino stated of Messi during a press conference on Tuesday: “We’ll wait till tomorrow. Although it will be challenging, we won’t decide until the very last moment.
Additionally, the coach said of Alba, “Jordi, I don’t think so.”
Inter Miami, which won the Leagues Cup in August, will meet the Dynamo on Wednesday at the DRV PNK Stadium in an attempt to capture two trophies.
Messi has recently slowed down due to fitness difficulties after a strong start to life with Inter Miami.
The star was absent from Argentina’s match against Bolivia in the second of a two-game window earlier this month. Messi would then miss Miami’s 5-2 loss to Atlanta United after his return to the country.
Alba and Messi both exited the game in the first half of last week’s victory over Toronto FC, though Messi made a comeback. Alba suffered “muscular fatigue,” according to Martino, whilst Messi was struggling with “old scar tissue.”
The two, along with Sergio Busquets, skipped Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Orlando City in order to prepare physically for Wednesday’s championship match.
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