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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Inter de Miami USA vs Atlanta United USA Lionel Messi celebrates his goal 2-0 of Inter Miami during the game Inter de Miami vs Atlanta United, corresponding to the group stage of the Leagues Cup 2023, at DRV PNK Stadium, on July 25, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi celebra su gol 2-0 de Inter Miami durante el partido Inter de Miami vs Atlanta United, correspondiente a la fase de grupos de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio DRV PNK, el 25 de Julio de 2023. FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xDavidxLeahx 20230725203035_LC_23_MIA_ATL_MESSI46

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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Inter de Miami USA vs Atlanta United USA Lionel Messi celebrates his goal 2-0 of Inter Miami during the game Inter de Miami vs Atlanta United, corresponding to the group stage of the Leagues Cup 2023, at DRV PNK Stadium, on July 25, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi celebra su gol 2-0 de Inter Miami durante el partido Inter de Miami vs Atlanta United, correspondiente a la fase de grupos de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio DRV PNK, el 25 de Julio de 2023. FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xDavidxLeahx 20230725203035_LC_23_MIA_ATL_MESSI46
Lionel Messi was benched by Gerardo Martino in Miami’s tie against Orlando City. The Herons have a crucial Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo coming up and the extent of Messi’s injury is causing concern among fans. One pundit brought into focus the severity of the injury and how Miami could miss the playoffs.
Messi reportedly has been dealing with a right hamstring strain that has kept him out of games. With the gaffer’s recent decision-making and the comments from a Miami player, one thing is for sure: Inter Miami wants to win another title, no matter the cost.
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Shock statement on Lionel Messi scares Miami fans
Things are still under the curtain but it seems that Messi’s injury is a problematic one. The Florida-based club now might have to make a tough decision regarding their fixtures. Felipe Cardenas, a pundit and staff writer with the Athletic, made a shocking statement that might cause a fair bit of uncertainty among Miami fans.
In a recent interview, Felipe Cardenas shared his thoughts on the upcoming fixtures of Inter Miami as he said, “Tomorrow we are going to be in front of Tata Martino for the US Open Cup final in the press conference and we are going to know if Messi’s going to play or not. I think if he plays on Wednesday night, there is a big possibility we don’t see Lionel Messi in MLS regular season.”
“I think if he plays on Wednesday night, there is a big possibility we don’t see Lionel Messi in MLS regular season."@FelipeCar joins Box 2 Box to discuss Messi's involvement in Inter Miami’s upcoming matches. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Hthaaa8lH4
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 25, 2023
Cardenas’s concerns are right and it’s high time that Martino makes a decision soon. Considering the injury to Lionel Messi, if Martino chooses to field the Argentine it could very well be his last for this season.
Looking at Martino’s recent tactics and moves, it’s obvious he’s striving to clinch the US Open Cup trophy. The players too look to be on the same page. With two games in hand in the MLS regular season, the upcoming games will decide the future of the team.
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US Open Cup heads towards a thrilling climax
Gerardo Martino benched all of his three major summer signings in a bid to win the US Open Cup. The final in Houston will be a thrilling one. Their best player, Lionel Messi, who helped them clinch the Leagues Cup earlier this year, is likely going to miss out. As a contingency and to battle fatigue issues, Martino even benched Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the match against Orlando.

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dave Shopland/Shutterstock 14065654bb Inter Miami Head Coach Gerardo Martino New York Red Bulls v Inter Miami CF, Major League Soccer, Football, Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, USA – 26 Aug 2023 New York Red Bulls v Inter Miami CF, Major League Soccer, Football, Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, USA – 26 Aug 2023 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROUxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xDavexShopland/Shutterstockx 14065654bb
Dixon Arroyo of Inter Miami highlighted Messi’s potential choice: qualify for MLS playoffs or clinch the US Open Cup title. Arroyo stressed winning the Open Cup, recognizing its significance, and hoping Messi could secure it. He acknowledged the dilemma but underlined the value of a championship trophy. Arroyo hinted that Messi might favor the title, given his illustrious track record.
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After the US Open Cup final, the next fixture for Inter Miami is also a difficult one. New York City FC has been performing well as they too look to compete for the MLS playoffs. With two games in hand, Inter Miami will be hoping that the Argentine makes a quick recovery.
Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space
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