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Inter Miami May ‘Risk’ Injured Lionel Messi In US Open Cup Final

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Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino has said the club could “take a risk” on star forward Lionel Messi in Wednesday’s US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo.

The Argentine forward was forced off with an injury after 37 minutes against Toronto FC and sat out Monday’s draw at Orlando City.

We will decide tomorrow based on how he’s feeling,” Martino said.

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Martino also said Messi had triggered an old injury but noted that he could make a return for the MLS side in the final.

READ ALSO: Messi Could Start From Bench In MLS Debut After Reaching ‘Physical Limit’

Martino added, “Here, there are questions. The player, the [US Open Cup] final, and what comes after.

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“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.

“If it wasn’t a final, we wouldn’t take any risk, but because it is a final, there is a chance we take that risk.”

However, the manager confirmed that defender Jordi Alba is doubtful for the fixture.

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Messi signed for the MLS franchise in July after his contract with Paris St-Germain expired.

READ ALSO: Transfer: Cristiano Ronaldo Reacts As Messi Snubs Saudi Arabia For Inter Miami

The 36-year-old has already helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup, beating Nashville SC on penalties in the final.

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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.

The final signals a chance for the MLS outfit to win their second trophy since Messi joined the club, adding to their victory in the Leagues Cup last month.

The U.S. Open Cup, a knockout tournament for amateur and professional teams, has been competed for since 1914, making it by far the oldest soccer competition in the country.

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After the final, Miami have five games remaining in the MLS regular season as they seek to seal a late spot in the playoff positions.

On Saturday, Miami host New York City FC who currently hold the last playoff qualification spot, ninth place, and five points ahead of Inter Miami.

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EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

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Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

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READ ALSO:EPL: Chelsea Winger, Mudryk Banned For Four Years After Failing Drug Test 

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

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“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

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UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

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Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

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READ ALSO:EPL: Guardiola Reveals Only Chance Man City Will Win Title Ahead Of Arsenal

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

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If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal In Shock Move To Sign Kvaratskhelia From PSG

You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

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“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

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Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

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His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

READ ALSO:Grassroots To Global Podium: Edo Sports Commission Marks Enabulele’s First Year In Office

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

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We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

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READ ALSO:2025 NYG: Be Determined, Enabulele Charges Team Edo, As Screening Commences In A’Ibom

Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

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We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.

 

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