Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Star’s Breathless Reaction to Houston Dynamo’s Goal, Video

• Lionel Messi missed the US Open Cup final for Inter Miami due to an injury
• The Argentina captain was in the stadium to support his teammates
• Miami went down within 24 minutes, and the goal shocked Messi

Lionel Messi had a mixed reaction to Houston Dynamo's first goal against Inter Miami in the US Open Cup final and was breathless for moments after the goal.

Inter Miami are squaring up against Houston Dynamo for a chance to win their second trophy of the season in the US Open Cup final, having won the inaugural Leagues Cup.

As reported by Goal, they are doing it without Lionel Messi, who failed to recover from an injury that has been troubling him since international duty with Argentina.

Miami went 2-0 down in the first half after a brilliant strike from Griffin Dorsey and a penalty from Amine Bassi after DeAndre Yedlin fouled in the box.

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Messi's reaction to Dorsey's goal

Dorsey gave Houston Dynamo the lead in the 24th minute after beating Drake Calender with a brilliant strike from close range, leaving the goalkeeper with little to no chance.

Messi, who was in the stands, was left breathless by the goal. His reaction communicated two things - he was unhappy his team went behind and appeared to be in awe of the goal.

The away team doubled their lead minutes later, and it appears the trophy will be slipping out of Miami's hands.

Kids react to Messi's arrival

It was shocking to fans after the team sheet was announced, and the Argentina captain was left out of the squad after much speculation on his availability for the game.

It was rumoured that he would start on the bench and play a part if necessary. He probably would have been warming up by now with his team 2-0 down at half-time.

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As captured by CBS Sports cameras, Messi arrived at the stadium dressed in all black and had kids reacting joyfully to his presence inside the tunnel before taking his seat in the stands.

Beckham reunites with Zidane

Sports Brief also reported that David Beckham reunited with Zinedine Zidane at the DRV PNK Stadium ahead of the game, and the former teammates chatted on the pitch.

The pair were teammates at Real Madrid for three years before Zidane retired. The Frenchman has turned down several job offers since leaving Madrid for the second time in 2021.