US OPEN CUP

Inter Miami’s Busquets speaks about Messi: “If there’s a chance to play, he’ll try to”

The Spanish centre-midfielder spoke ahead of the US Open Cup final, where he talked about the chances that Lionel Messi has to feature in the game.

Sam NavarroUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Inter Miami take on Houston Dynamo in the final of the US Open Cup on Wednesday 27 September 2023 at 8.30 p.m. ET/5.30 p.m. PT. Before the game, Sergio Busquets spoke to the media, where he mentioned the fitness of his teammate, Lionel Messi, who missed training along with Jordi Alba.

Busquets’ presence in the Inter Miami side has been a key factor in their resurgence and transformation in becoming the most feared team in the USA. As always, the Catalan midfielder is keeping in the shadows of the media attention, standing just behind the players who score the goals and grab the assists, carrying out the unseen work, putting himself in an undroppable position in Tata Martino’s side.

Busquets gives fitness update on Messi

In the hours leading up to the US Open Cup final, Busquets briefly spoke to media outlet COS about Ben Olsen’s Houston Dynamo side. The midfielder mentioned various topics, such as his expectations of the game against a tough opponent. “I think it’s going to be an even game, they are a great team. We are playing at home, with our fans. It’s a plus for us and hopefully we can get the win and the trophy.”

After that, Busquets spoke about the situation regarding Messi, who is causing huge doubts regarding his fitness. “Good, well, it’s what Tata [Martino] said he came into it with a niggling issue. If there’s any chance for him to play, I’m sure he’ll try to. For us he’s the best player in the world and he’s very important.”

Sergio Busquets attended the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final pre-match media duties.CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICHEFE

Which players did Busquets talk about?

The midfielder gave his thoughts on the opposition as well, mentioning Coco Carrasquilla, saying that “he is a player who makes the difference. He likes to come inside from the wide position and create overloads.”

Carrasquilla, along with Héctor Herrera, are perhaps the most important players in the Houston Dynamo squad. Busquets did not leave any doubts when talking about how to neutralise the Texan team: “they are very important players, every one in their position. We hope to control Carrasquilla and Herrera, if not all the team in order for the game to go our way.”

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