Lionel Messi was not able to play in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, September 27, due to muscle fatigue, which already caused him to miss four of their five games.

"It was not prudent for him to play. Too risky, even for a few minutes," Inter Miami manager Tata Martino said.

Inter Miami's quest for their second club trophy in club history ended in disappointment as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at their home ground, the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Houston Dynamo secured their victory with two goals in the first half. Winger Griffin Dorsey found the back of the net in the 24th minute, and midfielder Amine Bassi extended their lead with a successful penalty kick in the 33rd minute.

Inter Miami striker Josef Martinez did manage to salvage some pride with a goal during second-half stoppage time. However, despite his late effort, it proved insufficient to turn the tide for the home team.

With the club looking to book a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, when will their main man return to the lineup?

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi injury status

The 36-year-old will be re-evaluated for the rest of the season on a game-by-game basis to determine if he will play, according to Martino.

"[Messi] will surely play again before the end of the season. His participation will be determined game by game based on the medical team's feedback," the Argentine tactician said.