Lionel Messi: When Will Inter Miami Star Return After Missing US Open Cup Final?

• Lionel Messi watched Inter Miami lose the US Open Cup final from the stands
• He was a doubt after he limped off injured against Toronto and was not cleared to play
• Gerardo Martino has issued an update on his progress and when he is expected to return

Inter Miami felt Lionel Messi's absence in the US Open Cup final loss to Houston Dynamo, but he is expected to return for subsequent games subject to medical clearance.

Messi limped off in the first half of the 4-0 win over Toronto and missed the Florida derby trip to Orlando. He faced a late assessment to make the Cup final but was not cleared to compete.

The Herons lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in his absence as he watched from the stands. He must have felt disappointed as it was a game in which he was clearly missed.

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As reported by Goal, Miami have five league games left as they retain hopes of reaching a playoff spot. Tata Martino has described the games as five finals.

Martino provides update on Messi

Messi's absence was felt in the game, and Martino has assured fans he will play an active part in subsequent games, although he will have to be assessed game by game.

“It was clearly not prudent for him to play, not even for a few minutes. We couldn't take the risk. But he will surely play again before the end of the season. His participation will be determined game by game based on the medical team's feedback,” he said, as quoted by ESPN.

Miami's next game is a home fixture against New York City on Sunday, and it is expected that Messi will get minutes from the bench. He has yet to lose a game in which he has played for the team.

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Messi's reaction to Dorsey's goal

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

Sitting in the stands, the Argentina captain was left breathless by the goal and had mixed emotions - he could have been on the pitch helping his team and was also in awe of the goal.