NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi's participation in Inter Miami's US Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday remains uncertain, with coach Gerardo Martino indicating that a decision on his involvement will be made at the last minute.
While Messi's former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba, is expected to be sidelined for the match, Martino expressed the possibility that the Argentine World Cup winner could still play a role.
"We will wait until tomorrow (Wednesday) - Jordi, I don't think so, it is difficult - but Leo, we will wait until tomorrow, we will wait last minute to make a decision," Martino stated.
The final presents an opportunity for Miami to secure their second trophy since Messi joined the club, following their victory in the Leagues Cup last month.
Martino emphasized that they wouldn't even contemplate using Messi in the game if a trophy weren't on the line.
"It has exclusively to do with the final," he explained. "If it were one of 34 (regular-season Major League Soccer) games, we wouldn't take a risk.
"It's logical to wait. If it were any other type of match, I don't think we would be taking that kind of risk."
Messi did not participate in the open part of Inter Miami's training session leading up to the US Open Cup final against Houston.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has been grappling with an issue initially described as muscle fatigue but now appears to be an injury, with Martino previously alluding to "scars" from previous injuries bothering the player.
"I will sit down with him, see how he feels," Martino stated.
"We always talk, we will get together and find the best way. We have to consider three things - the player, the final, and what comes after. We have to assess all three things."
Messi has encountered difficulties since being substituted in the 88th minute of Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on September 7.
He missed the world champions' second qualifier, played in Bolivia five days later, before returning to his club following the international break.
Messi was absent for Miami's 5-2 defeat to Atlanta on September 16, with Martino attributing his absence to muscle fatigue.
He then started the home game against Toronto but had to be substituted in the 38th minute, shortly after Alba was withdrawn.
Following the final, Miami have five games remaining in the MLS regular season, as they aim for a late push to secure a playoff spot.
This Saturday, Miami will host New York City FC, currently holding the last Eastern Conference playoff qualification spot, ninth place, with a five-point lead over Martino's team.
The US Open Cup, a knockout tournament for amateur and professional teams, has a storied history dating back to 1914, making it the oldest soccer competition in the country by far.
(With AFP inputs)
