All eyes will be on one man come Wednesday night. Hopefully.
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On Wednesday, September 27, U.S. Soccer’s oldest competition will play host to two MLS teams that have improved mightily this season, albeit in two completely different ways.
As mentioned before, El Tri supporters will find a familiar face in the midfield Wednesday night as Herrera gets the likely start after scoring against Real Salt Lake in the semifinals a few weeks back. Houston themselves have found things relatively easy in the competition, having scored 12 goals and allowing just two in the team’s last four matches.
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Miami’s transformation, per say, has been somewhat overnight as Messi, Sergio Busquets, and my favorite left-back in the world, Jordi Alba, rejoined forces in the middle of the MLS campaign this season. David Beckham’s team has enjoyed immediate success as we all know, but the Herons and coach Tata Martino face a tough task Wednesday night with talks of Messi potentially missing the final.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami scores a goal on a free kick during the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 16 match between Inter Miami CF and FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on August 06, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
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How did Inter Miami qualify for US Open Cup?
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The short answer: Behind the backings of Messi and the rest of their new summer signings.
Previous manager Phil Neville kept the team afloat in the competition before Martino and his new boys grinded out victories leading up to Wednesday’s final. Messi of course, has led the way for the most part as one would expect. His two assists to teammate Leonardo Campana in the semifinals against FC Cincinnati were moments of brilliance before the team ultimately pulled out the victory on penalties.
Will Messi play for Inter Miami on Wednesday in the final?
Now, that’s the million dollar question. If Tuesday’s missed training session is any indicator, then things aren’t really looking good for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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According to a recent story by Goal, Messi took no parts in the team’s training preparations ahead of the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday. Messi was spotted at the training ground, but was captured talking on the phone rather than being put through drills on the field, according to Goal. So, if that’s any indicator for how things will turn out Wednesday night, Inter Miami could be in for a doozy.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF enters the field of play during the round of 16 Leagues Cup football match between Inter Miami CF and FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
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How can I watch Inter Miami vs. Houston Dynamo?
You can catch all the coverage of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final on the CBS Sports Network, across CBS Sports Golazo Network or Paramount+. Both Telemundo and Peacock will also be televising the match but in Spanish, so fans in both languages should be covered Wednesday night, according to the MLS.
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Where can I watch Inter Miami vs Houston Dynamo?