Will Lionel Messi play in US Open Cup 2023 final against Houston Dynamo?

Lionel Messi won the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami

Inter Miami are going to play in their second cup final ever since Lionel Messi has signed for them. They will play against Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup 2023 final.

Lionel Messi is a doubt for this match. The Argentine is out injured and was not even a part of Miami's squad that faced Orlando City SC recently.

Messi returned to club football after playing in the World Cup qualifiers for Argentina. He started the game against Toronto FC but was forced to make his way for a teammate at the 37th-minute mark. The Argentine missed the next game along with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Lionel Messi has been a huge part of Inter Miami's success in recent months. They are a completely different side when the Argentine is on the field. Other players have also gained the confidence and produced a few results without Messi. However, playing in a final without their main man won't be easy. Here is what his manager said after Miami's recent encounter.

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino was asked after the draw against Orlando if he could give a percentage on Messi being fit for the final. "It’s very difficult to give him a percentage because we have to take it day by day," he said.

"We will continue to evaluate him and, as I always say, I will listen to him first and see how he’s feeling. Then we’ll also need to evaluate future risks. It’s not an easy decision, but we’re going to take the right amount of time to try to not make a mistake.”

The match is scheduled to take place at Inter Miami's home. Houston Dynamo have won their last two matches against the same opponents. This could turn out to be a tough outing without Messi.