This Wednesday, September 27, U.S. Soccer's oldest competition will witness a showdown between two MLS teams. MLS that have improved significantly this season, albeit in completely different ways.
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will face Houston Dynamo, with Mexican international Héctor Herrera, in the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to be played on Wednesday night at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Inter Miami Seeks Second Title of the Season
The final will not only see Miami battling for its second trophy of the season after winning the Leagues Cup in August, but will also witness Houston vying for its first title since 2018.
That occasion was basically the last time a Texas MLS team won anything significant.
As mentioned above, El Tri fans will find a familiar face in the midfield on Wednesday night, as Herrera is likely to start after scoring against Real Salt Lake in the semifinals a few weeks ago.
Houston, meanwhile, has had a relatively easy ride in the competition, scoring 12 goals and conceding just two in the team's last four games.
Miami's transformation, so to speak, has been almost overnight, as Messi, Sergio Busquets and one of the world's favorite left backs, Jordi Alba, joined the team in the middle of the MLS season.
David Beckham's team has enjoyed immediate success, but the Herons and their coach Tata Martino face a difficult task on Wednesday night with rumors that Messi could miss the final.
It's today👊 #ForThe2nd #MIAvHOU | 8:30PM ET | CBS Sports Network, Telemundo, Paramount + pic.twitter.com/25vkpVD9dN
- Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 27, 2023
Inter's Qualification to the US Open Cup Final
The short answer to how Inter Miami qualified for the US Open Cup final after being one of the worst performing franchises in MLS is quite simple. The team accomplished the feat with the backing of Messi and the rest of their new summer signings.
Former coach Phil Neville kept the team afloat in the competition before Martino and his new boys made their way to Wednesday's final.
Messi, of course, has led 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 finally took the win on penalties.
However, the question remains. The million dollar question is whether Messi will play in this final. If Tuesday's training session is any indicator, then things are not looking good for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
According to recent updates, Messi did not participate in the team's training preparations ahead of Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup final.
The Argentine star was spotted at the training camp, but was captured talking on the phone instead of participating in exercises on the field, according to several media outlets.
So, if that's any indication of how things will play out this Wednesday night, Inter Miami could be in trouble. For now, the tension remains for fans hoping to see the Argentine star on the field tonight.
