Sources: Lionel Messi trained individually during Inter Miami’s final practice before U.S. Open Cup final
The Argentine star did not practice alongside his teammates while Tata Martino opted not to have a walkthrough with Wednesday’s expected starters
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi trained on the eve of the U.S. Open Cup final, but he did so separately from the rest of his Inter Miami teammates.
Messi prepared individually on Tuesday morning as the South Florida side continued to gear up for Wednesday night’s championship match vs. the Houston Dynamo, sources have told Miami Total Futbol.
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino had revealed during Tuesday’s pre-game press conference that Messi trained earlier in the day, stepping onto the field after the 15 minutes that were open to the media, but the Argentine manager did not reveal to what extent his captain participated.
It turns out, according to sources, that Messi worked alone and away from the rest of the group while Martino chose to not have the team go through its usual walkthrough with the expected starting lineup during the last practice before the midweek final at Drv Pnk Stadium. The 36-year-old attacker did not practice at all on Monday.
Martino said Tuesday that Messi would be a game-time decision and did not rule out the possibility of starting the World Cup winner against the Dynamo, though Martino noted that playing Messi in any capacity would be a risk.
Fellow regular starter and injury concern Jordi Alba did not train, per sources. Martino had insinuated during Tuesday’s press conference that Alba was doubtful.
Inter Miami is looking to win the second trophy both in recent months and franchise history on Wednesday, but the biggest talking point heading into the game is Messi’s availability.
The superstar has played in just one game for club or country since exiting Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying victory vs. Ecuador on Sept. 7, lasting just 36 minutes in a starting appearance vs. Toronto FC on Sept 18 before being substituted.
Inter Miami has officially cited Messi’s status as “day to day” due to muscular fatigue and an old scar tissue issue.
Messi, who signed with Inter Miami in July, has scored 11 goals in 12 appearances across all competitions since arriving in South Florida.