Messi: Comparing Inter Miami’s Stats With and Without Argentine Captain

• Inter Miami have lost the US Open Cup final without Lionel Messi
• The club is unbeaten with the 2022 World Cup winner on the pitch
• Miami's stats without Messi have been worrisome with just one win

Lionel Messi has been a big influence for Inter Miami since he joined the club in July, helping the team to the inaugural Leagues Cup trophy by beating Nashville SC in the final.

He has been dealing with muscle fatigue since helping Argentina beat Ecuador 1-0 in the CONMEBOL edition of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, scoring a delightful free kick goal.

As noted by Fox Sports, the Herons lost the US Open Cup final 2-1 to Houston Dynamo, with Messi sitting out the game after not receiving medical clearance over his injury.

Inter Miami were awarded a late equaliser after being down most of the game, but it was too late for a comeback and they failed to pick up their second piece of silverware.

Thiago Messi makes Inter Miami academy debut in 2-0 victory

Football

Inter Miami's games with Messi

As noted by BR Football, the team has played 12 games with the involvement of Messi since he joined the club in July after running down his Paris Saint-Germain contract.

They recorded 11 wins, three of which came from penalty shootouts en route to winning the Leagues Cup. They drew a game and are unbeaten with the captain on the pitch.

Inter Miami without Messi

It has been the opposite for the Vice City club without their talisman. They have played five games - losing three, drawing one, and winning just once: a 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City.

One of the losses was in the US Open Cup final last night, which denied the former Barcelona captain a chance to win a record-extending 45th trophy, the most by any footballer in history.

Messi's reaction to Dorsey's goal

Sports Brief also reported on Messi's reaction to Griffin Dorsey's goal to open the scoring for Houston Dynamo in the 24th minute of the US Open Cup final.

Lionel Messi watches his son Thiago play for Inter Miami academy, video

Football

Sitting in the stands, the Argentine was left breathless by the goal and clearly had mixed emotions after injury kept him sidelined for the important cup game.

When will Messi play again?

Sports Brief also reported on Inter Miami coach, Gerardo Martino giving an update on Messi after losing the US Open Cup final, which the captain missed due to muscle fatigue.

Miami have five league games left in the season as they aim for a playoff spot. The coach confirmed his star will play an active part but his minutes will be managed per each match.