They wore his famous name and No. 10 across Inter Miami jerseys, and across Barcelona, Argentina and PSG shirts. They came from far and wide, and paid lucrative sums, to witness greatness. Instead, Messi joined them in a stadium seat.

Lionel Messi was not on Inter Miami's roster for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston on Wednesday night, marking the fourth match for club and country that he's missed in recent weeks while dealing with some sort of leg issue.

First half strikes from Dorsey and Bassi saw Messi’s Inter Miami miss out on the US Open Cup despite Martinez’s late goal.

Lionel Messi couldn't play, and the Houston Dynamo took full advantage to win a trophy on his home field.Griffin Dorsey

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi was not on Inter Miami's roster for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston on Wednesday night, marking the fourth match for club and country that he's missed in recent weeks while dealing with some sort of leg issue.

The game drew 52 T.V. rightsholders, many of whom traveled with crews from Latin America, and they were anticipating covering Messi in his second cup final since joining Inter Miami in July. Miami won the Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC in August. Messi has scored 11 goals over 13 games he played with Miami.

There are a few things on offer beyond the customary bragging rights. The winner will earn $300,000 in prize money, a spot in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup (which Miami just claimed via the Leagues Cup) and have the club’s name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy.

Messi's absence from Miami's final loss reminds us the superstar is human after all, leaving questions about his role in the remainder of the season.