The Herons Hunt For More Silverware

Good morning! It’s Cup Final day, South Florida!

Inter Miami will take on the Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup Final with the hope of winning their second trophy in club history.

The road to the final was difficult, but if the quotes from Tata Martino indicate anything, the Herons are prepared to give it their all.

In the email today:

Is Messi fit to start?

That’s the big question heading into tonight’s highly-anticipated matchup.

During the team’s pre-match conference yesterday, Martino spoke at length about Messi and how the club will take every precaution in evaluating the World Cup winner’s health status:

Martino understands how important this match will be and will want to have the Argentine on the pitch.

However, after the Toronto FC game where Messi was substituted off in the 37th minute, Martino may be reluctant to start the 36-year-old knowing he’s carrying a knock.

• Messi may not be fit to start, but from what Tata Martino told the media yesterday, he could see some minutes later in the match.

• Unlike Messi, Jordi Alba will not be participating in the game due to a hamstring strain.

• It’s touch and go for Messi, as the team doesn’t want to risk exacerbating the injury even further.

Our take: It’s evident that Messi isn’t carrying a serious injury, but simultaneously, starting him and risking further harm is something the club wants to avoid. In the end, it will ultimately come down to seeing how Messi feels.

2) 🏆 Open Cup Final Preview

Inter Miami be facing off against the Houston Dynamo, a team that has recently gone on an impressive win streak.

The Dynamo has won five of their eight matches, outscoring their opponents 17-5. Led by Mexico international Hector Herrera, the Houston-based team will look to win their second US Open Cup in club history.

• The Dynamo will come prepared, boasting an impressive midfield that includes the aforementioned Herrera, Adalberto Carrasquilla, and Amine Bassi.

• The impressive run aside, the Dynamo do struggle away from home, with just two wins in 15 away games played.

• Miami will have to be wary, Houston is a well-coached side with dangerous attacking players.

Our take: Playing the Dynamo will be tough, but Miami has a great enough home and will be extra motivated to win their second trophy in two months.

3) 🚗 Sergio Busquets Doesn’t Appreciate Miami Traffic

4) 📊 Poll: Will The Herons Win Their Second Trophy Tonight?

Have additional thoughts? Reply directly to this email to comment, and see if we include your response tomorrow.

Results from our last poll, Will Messi Start Against The Dynamo?:

He’ll come off the bench, is leading the way!

5) 🔗 Link Roundup:

• 🤔 Inter Miami posted a photo of Messi in training. However, as some on Twitter/X pointed out, it doesn’t look like a recent photo.

• 🌴FIFA announced yesterday that they will be moving their legal department and several other jobs from their offices in Switzerland to Miami. 

• 🐋 The Seattle Sounders unveiled their new badge, which encapsulates the spirit of the city and honors the heritage and history of the club. The orcas are a nice touch!

The newsletter today was written by: Alex Windley @aaw_1998

Thanks for reading! Catch you on the flip side!