US OPEN CUP
Héctor Herrera: “It’s an extra motivation to play against Messi”
The Mexican midfielder and Houston Dynamo captain spoke to the media in the press conference prior to the US Open Cup 2023 final as the Texans face Inter Miami.
MLS - Liga USA 2023
| Classification | PTS | WM | TM | LM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Real Salt Lake | 40 | 11 | 7 | 9 |
| 5Houston Dynamo | 39 | 11 | 6 | 10 |
| 6Vancouver Whitecaps | 38 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Upcoming matches | |
|---|---|
| Houston Dynamo - FC Dallas | S-30/09 20:30 |
| Montreal Impact - Houston Dynamo | W-04/10 19:30 |
| Houston Dynamo - Colorado Rapids | S-07/10 20:30 |
*Data updated to date Sep 26th, 2023
On the eve of the US Open Cup 2023, Houston Dynamo captain Héctor Herrera spoke to the media at the protocol pre-game press conference and was very clear regarding the challenge that facing Inter Miami represents for the Texan side. The 33-year-old also highlighted the importance of facing Lionel Messi and the impact that his participation would have on the game.
The Mexican midfielder focused on the desire the club has to secure what would be their only second ever Open Cup title stating: “We are playing well but of course we want much more, but it is a gradual process. We know that we still have to work a lot ahead but we are on the way to improving many things. We have a great opportunity to write an important chapter in the history of the club and it would be a very special day if we take the cup home”.
HH on Messi
The Mexican midfielder, who last faced Messi in the group stage at the Qatar 2022 World Cup was full of praise for the Argentine: “He is the best in the world. For us, it is an added source of motivation to have the opportunity to play against him. I have had the chance to play against Messi on a number of occasions and it’s an added incentive to try and get one over on him. Knowing ‘Tata’ Martino as I do, he will right to the end to see if Messi is fit enough to play or not.”
Herrera on Martino
The veteran midfielder also took time to laud praise on current Herons boss Gerardo Martino. Herrera played under the Argentine in his spell as head coach of the Mexican national team: “Tata is a fundamental part of the change at Miami. He is one of the best coaches I have ever had. Although the end his time with the national team was not what we all expected or wanted. He is proving what a good coach he is in his short time in charge with Inter Miami, where he has already imposed his style of play”.