Lionel Messi may not have many exploitable flaws, but Houston Dynamo surely see a potential opening as they prepare for a crucial US Open Cup final.
A major trophy rides on this midweek showdown in Florida, where two MLS rivals collide in a game that could redefine the season for both clubs. Messi’s fitness is under close watch, with uncertainty surrounding his availability. If he is fit enough to take the field, the Argentine icon could be the defining factor for Inter Miami, delivering big moments when the stakes are highest. The dynamic shape of Messi’s involvement—whether he starts or comes off the bench—will influence how Houston hues their defensive approach and where they expect him to influence play most.
Erik Sviatchenko will be entrusted with the task of containing Messi, a challenge the Danish defender approaches with a blend of respect and pragmatism. He acknowledged the uphill struggle of trying to keep a player who is renowned for finding space even when marked tightly. Sviatchenko said: “If you can keep him off goal during the match, because sometimes Messi in the role he has now also moves away from the goal to get the goal, but of course that won’t be possible for 90 minutes. He will appear, he will appear in spaces where he will go into dangerous places, to help or to shoot on goal. It is very difficult to see where the weak points are. You can lose the game in a second. He can take advantage of the slightest mistake or lack of knowledge of the equipment.”
In addition to this tactical chess match, the history between the two sides adds another layer of intensity. Sviatchenko has faced Messi before in high-stakes European encounters when Celtic clashed with Barcelona in the Champions League. Those memories are not particularly fond. He recalled one particularly memorable result: the first meeting where Celtic faced Messi and Barcelona and suffered a 7-0 defeat. He also noted a subsequent 2-0 loss that earned him a yellow card, underscoring that even seasoned defenders can feel the weight of Messi’s influence on a game.
Looking ahead to the Leagues Cup and beyond, Sviatchenko emphasized that Houston Miami must stay compact and disciplined to limit Messi’s clean touches in midfield and his ability to drift into dangerous corridors. Messi’s achievements in the United States have already helped lift Inter Miami to a historic triumph in the Leagues Cup, a reminder that even a short spell in a league can create a whirlwind of impact. The Dynamo, aware of the size of the task, intend to press with purpose, constrict space, and force plays to happen on their terms.
The atmosphere around the final is charged, with both teams eyeing a trophy that could reshape the early chapters of their season. For Inter Miami, Messi’s presence remains a central storyline—an engine that can spark moments of brilliance and shift momentum in an instant. For Houston, the plan is clear: disrupt, deny, and endure the storm until opportunities present themselves in the final minutes of the game. This is where the game often tilts, and a single moment can decide which side lifts the cup.