Messi misses Inter Miami's training ahead of the Open Cup final

Star Argentine footballer Lionel Messi was absent from his team Inter Miami's training sessions ahead of the final match of the America's Open Cup against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, raising doubts about his return to the field.

Miami is seeking to win its second consecutive title since Messi joined the team this summer from Paris Saint-Germain, following its victory in the Leagues Cup, a competition for American and Mexican clubs, last month.

Messi, who was crowned champion of the 2022 World Cup, missed the 1-1 draw against Orlando City on Sunday. His compatriot and Inter Miami's coach, Gerardo Martino, confirmed that Messi's condition would be evaluated "on a daily basis."

It remains unclear whether the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is simply suffering from fatigue due to the intensity of matches since joining the club in July or if he has a chronic injury.

Martino referred to "old scars" that have been bothering the former Barcelona star without specifying any particular injury.

Martino is expected to address the media later on Tuesday, where more clarity may be provided on whether Messi will participate in the highly anticipated America's Open Cup final or not.

In addition to Messi, his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba also missed the training session.

Messi has been struggling since being substituted in the 88th minute during Argentina's World Cup 2026 qualifying match after scoring the winning goal from a direct free-kick against Ecuador on September 7.

AFP