Inter Miami's do-or-die week: Club's season on the brink as Lionel Messi injury casts dark cloud over U.S. Open Cup final and vital MLS matches

The club's campaign could be all-but over by the weekend as they prepare for a cup final and season-defining league games

When we look back at Inter Miami's season, Lionel Messi's first with the club, we'll likely look back at this week as the one that decided it all. The Leagues Cup triumph of the summer will ensure this season is a success, as will the seismic signing of Messi, but can they make it something even more? We'll likely find out over the next four days.

Miami face a massive period in their short history, beginning with Wednesdays U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo. Comparisons are tough, given how new the Leagues Cup is, but, thus far, only 14 teams in MLS history have won a double, and it's safe to say none would be as absurd as Inter Miami's, who came out of nowhere to make two cup finals, led by one of the greatest players of all time.

The Open Cup is only the beginning, though. After Wednesday, Miami will have little time to celebrate or commiserate, as their miracle push towards the MLS playoffs continues this Saturday in a make-or-break match against New York City FC.

Their place in the standings makes things hard enough but, making matters worse, they'll likely have to do it without Messi leading the charge. An injury has the Argentine's status in doubt as Miami's season sits on the brink.

So can Miami produce another miracle, or will the magic finally run out? We'll find out soon enough...

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