Shock Defeat: Inter Miami Stumbles Against Houston Dynamo in US Open Cup Final Sans Lionel Messi

Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat in the US Open Cup final on Wednesday, with their star player Lionel Messi observing from the sidelines. Despite previously guiding the team to their inaugural major trophy since his arrival in July, Messi was unable to participate in the game due to injury, however, he showed his support by being present at Miami's DRV PNK Stadium.

In Miami's absence, Houston quickly took control of the game, scoring two goals in the first half courtesy of Griffin Dorsey and Amine Bassi. Despite a late goal by Josef Martínez in injury time, Miami couldn't fully recover, allowing Houston to secure their fourth major trophy, the first under head coach Ben Olsen.

"It's monumental for the club, it's monumental for the team. It's monumental for everyone in Houston," expressed Houston right back Dorsey to CBS sideline reporter Susannah Collins following the game.

"I believe we've encountered a challenging period as the Houston Dynamo, and this achievement will undoubtedly establish our presence and demonstrate that we are a formidable team capable of competing in the MLS, Open Cup, Leagues Cup, or any other tournament or league we participate in."

Houston Dynamo players celebrate winning the 2023 US Open Cup.

Carmen Mandato/Getty Images for USSF

Olsen, a former player for the US men's national team and head coach of DC United, credits the midfield consisting of Héctor Herrera, Coco Carrasquilla, Bassi, and Artur for the team's victory.

"That's where the fate of the game was determined. If our central midfield performed at their best, we would have a favorable chance of winning tonight. And they certainly did," he remarked.

"Especially in the first half, there was some exquisite play. Héctor, in particular, was absolutely outstanding. Artur constantly delivers this level of performance in every game, which is expected. Coco's prowess in advancing forward and skillfully bypassing opponents complements their play, while Bassi's contribution adds an organic touch to the team."

"We provide them with a framework for achieving success, however, a significant portion of their performance is based on intuition and the connections they share as a group. It evolves naturally and is enjoyable to witness, as they genuinely enjoy playing alongside one another."

"For Miami, this loss dampens the positive outlook that has enveloped the club ever since Messi joined earlier in the summer."

Miami's 36-year-old leader has already guided the club to victory in the Leagues Cup and successfully transformed its performance in the league. However, in the absence of Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba due to injuries, Miami encountered difficulties in maintaining an effective offensive strategy against the Houston defense, resulting in limited attacking opportunities.

After the loss, Gerardo Tata Martino, the manager of Inter Miami, acknowledged that his team had been affected by their demanding schedule.

Martino commented, "It was evident that our team was fatigued. The truth is, the inevitable aftermath of playing numerous matches was bound to catch up with us."

"Weve started feeling it in terms of injuries and weve started feeling it in terms of functionality."