Reactions as Houston Dynamo beat Messi’s team to win the U.S. Open Cup

admin September 29, 2023September 29, 2023 0 Comments

In a stunning turn of events on Wednesday night, Houston Dynamo FC emerged victorious in the U.S. Open Cup, defeating Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF with a final score of 2-1.

This victory marked Houston Dynamo FC’s second U.S. Soccer National Championship, and it left fans and pundits alike buzzing with excitement.

Dynamo’s Dominance

Houston Dynamo FC, led by a formidable midfield pair in captain Héctor Herrera and Artur, controlled the game with precision.

Griffin Dorsey and Amine Bassi were the heroes of the night, both scoring crucial goals during the first half.

Their performance left Inter Miami CF, already missing star players like Jordi Alba, and the world’s reigning best player, Lionel Messi, struggling to find their footing.

Lionel Messi, who had been closely watched by fans and pundits, was relegated to the sidelines due to an injury he had picked up while on international duty with Argentina.

His absence proved to be a significant blow to Inter Miami CF’s aspirations in the U.S. Open Cup.

Manager’s Decision

Inter Miami CF’s manager, Gerardo Martino, had earlier stated that Messi’s availability would be a game-time decision.

However, when the lineup was unveiled prior to the final at DRV PNK Stadium, Messi’s name was notably absent.

Martino addressed the decision, saying, “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.”

Messi was not the only star player missing from the lineup. Jordi Alba, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, also sat out due to an injury of his own.

Both players were seen in the stands in street clothes shortly after the match had kicked off.

With two key players sidelined, Inter Miami CF faced an uphill battle, and Houston Dynamo FC seized the opportunity.

They secured their victory with Griffin Dorsey’s close-range thunderbolt and a penalty confidently converted by Amine Bassi.

Houston’s Triumph

Despite Inter Miami CF’s efforts to stage a comeback, they were unable to find the finishing touch until Josef Martinez’s late consolation goal. The final whistle marked Houston Dynamo FC’s second U.S. Open Cup win, adding another prestigious trophy to their collection after their 2018 victory.

Fan Disappointment and High Ticket Prices

Thousands of fans had eagerly gathered in the Fort Lauderdale area, many donning Messi jerseys in either the blue and white of Argentina or the pink of Inter Miami.

However, the absence of Messi undoubtedly led to disappointment for some.

Ticket prices on secondary markets had soared, with prices ranging from $145 to nearly $4,000 just an hour before the match, leaving some fans with a costly letdown.

Lionel Messi’s absence from the pitch left Inter Miami CF with an uphill battle, but the victory for Houston Dynamo FC will be remembered as a significant achievement, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement that football consistently delivers to its fans.