Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has expressed optimism that his star player Lionel Messi could still feature in the USA Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo even amid injury rumors that could see the World Cup champion miss out on the game. The world superstar is continuing to recover from an injury that he picked up during the international break. The Argentine international then returned to the pitch on September 20th against Toronto FC having missed Inter Miami's prior game against Atalanta. He was, however, taken out early even in the game against Toronto after aggravating his injury. Messi has then forward to miss the game in which Inter Miami drew 1-1 with Orlando City and has not been featuring in the training session in the build-up to the USA Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo. 

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The head coach Tata Martino now says that he will have to wait for one more day to confirm whether Lionel Messi will be fit to play in the final. When asked about the Argentine superstar he said: "We will wait until tomorrow. We understand the explanation and the desire to know, but we don't have an issue of wanting to be mysterious or anything like that. If it wasn't Messi, the media wouldn't be asking about him! Nothing has to do with an operation, so no, forget about that. We have to think about how long the player has to stop to play another match. If it's not a final, we're not taking any risks. This is a final and it could bring you a title. It could take 90 or 120 minutes, but if it's another game we wouldn't risk it." 

The legendary Lionel Messi has already led the American club to trophy glory when he inspired his side to lift the League Cup title and the club will now be looking forward to lifting their second silverware in Wednesday's US Open Cup final. Inter Miami's hope of a potential treble appears to be difficult, however, considering their current standings in the MLS league. There are only five games remaining to be played in the league and there are currently five teams in between Inter Miami and the playoffs position as well as a five points gap between them and Nineth-placed New York City FC. After Wednesday's final against Houston FC, Miami will host NYCFC on Saturday at the DRV PNK Stadium before visiting the Chicago Fires. The aforementioned two matches will determine Inter Miami's playoff hopes. 

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