![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/131264176_gettyimages-1692980057-696x464.jpg\" "\\"_131264176_gettyimages-1692980057\\"\/")
\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Inter Miami could \u201ctake a risk\u201d on forward Lionel Messi in Wednesday\u2019s US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo, says manager Gerardo Martina.<\/p>\n
Messi was forced off after 37 minutes against Toronto FC with an injury and sat out Monday\u2019s draw at Orlando City.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will decide tomorrow based on how he\u2019s feeling,\u201d Martina said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Martina said Messi had triggered an old injury but suggested he could come back in for the final, although defender Jordi Alba is a doubt.<\/p>\n
Messi, 36, signed for the MLS franchise in July after his contract with Paris St-Germain expired.<\/p>\n
Of his availability, Martina added: \u201cHere, there are questions. The player, the [US Open Cup] final, and what comes after. These three scenarios have to be evaluated; it is not just about the next game. Risk is always there, but we try to decrease the margin of risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it wasn\u2019t a final, we wouldn\u2019t take any risk, but because it is a final, there is a chance we take that risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Argentina international has already helped\u00a0Inter Miami to win the Leagues Cup, beating Nashville SC on penalties in the final.<\/p>\n
Inter Miami have not lost any of the 12 matches in which Messi has featured, while he has scored 11 goals and provided five assists.<\/p>\n
READ ALSO<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n