Staff Reporter.
The French World Cup winning legend Zinedine Zidane along with the majority of a packed house at DRV PNK stadium, came to the US Open Cup final hoping to watch Lionel Messi lift yet another trophy.
But when the news filtered through that crocked Messi wasn’t even on the bench let alone making the starting line-up, the bitter disappointment in south Florida was there for all to see.
Zidane is an old pal of Miami co-owner David Beckham after their time together at Real Madrid.
Messi watched from the stands as Inter Miami lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in the final of US Open Cup.
Forward Messi, 36, was substituted against Toronto FC last week because of an “old injury” and sat out Miami’s draw at Orlando City on Monday.
Griffin Dorsey and an Amine Bassi penalty put Houston 2-0 up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Josef Martinez scored a consolation for Miami in stoppage time.
Houston goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made three saves as Dynamo clinched their second US Open Cup in five years.
Miami’s Spain defender Jordi Alba also missed the game because of injury.
Miami manager Gerardo Martino said Argentina World Cup winner Messi’s return to full fitness was the club’s top priority.
“It was not prudent for him to play. We couldn’t even consider playing him for a few minutes because we would be taking risks,” said former Barcelona and Argentina boss Martino.
Martino said Messi will “certainly play before the league is over”.
Triumphant Houston boss Ben Olsen knew that without Messi, Miami would struggle.
“They are different on the field without him and they missed him,” said Olsen.
Messi’s impact on Miami since arriving in July in a blockbuster deal has been remarkable. He’s scored 11 goals and contributed to a total of 16, with the team having never lost a game in which he played.
Miami are five points behind New York City FC, which they face Saturday in MLS, in the standings for the final playoff spot with five games to play and two games in hand.