Alozie and Messi: Super Falcons star celebrates as Houston Dynamo defeats Inter Miami in US Open final

Michelle Alozie celebrates as Houston Dynamo took full advantage of Inter Miami's weakness without Lionel Messi to win US Open - Image Credit - Adidas football, BR/Football/ Houston Dash

Alozie and Messi: Super Falcons star celebrates as Houston Dynamo defeats Inter Miami in US Open final

Tosin Abayomi 07:10 - 28.09.2023

Super Falcons star Alozie celebrates Houston Dynamo after they defeat Messi's Inter Miami in the US Open final.

Due to an injury, he sustained while representing Argentina, Lionel Messi was not included in the squad and was forced to watch Inter Miami CF's 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo in the US Open final from the sidelines early on Thursday, September 28, 2023.

Messi was not included on the team sheet when the lineup was made public prior to the championship game at DRV PNK Stadium.

Jordi Alba, a former teammate of Messi's at Barcelona, missed the defeat as well due to a personal injury; both players were seen in the stands in shortly after kickoff.

Houston Dynamo defeats Inter Miami without Messi

Houston took full advantage of Miami's weakness—two of their players were absent—scoring twice in the opening period on a penalty kick by Amine Bassi and a close-range thunderbolt from Griffin Dorsey.

Miami attempted to force their way back into the game after winning the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament between MLS and Liga MX, but they were unsuccessful and could only muster a late consolation goal from Josef Martinez.

Super Falcons of Nigeria star Michelle Alozie got involved in the celebrations as Houston Dynamo won the US Open against Messi's Inter Miami - Image Credit - BR/Football
Super Falcons of Nigeria star Michelle Alozie got involved in the celebrations as Houston Dynamo won the US Open against Messi's Inter Miami - Image Credit - BR/Football

Alozie celebrates as Houston Dynamo defeats Messi's Inter Miami

Super Falcons of Nigeria star Michelle Alozie got involved in the celebrations as Houston Dynamo won the US Open.

The 26-year-old Nigerian defender took to her official social media platforms to congratulate Houston Dynamo on winning the trophy.

Alozie supported Houston Dyanmo over Messi regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Alozie supported Houston Dyanmo over Messi regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Alozie supported Houston Dyanmo over Messi regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

The Super Falcons star plays for the Houston Dash which is in the same city as the Houston Dynamo.

Alozie's support for the Houston Dynamo comes after she cleared up talk about her sexuality on social media.

Alozie took down her opponent, who was through on goal after she was unable to control the ball from a throw-in. Image Credit - Houston Dash
Alozie took down her opponent, who was through on goal after she was unable to control the ball from a throw-in. Image Credit - Houston Dash

Alozie's red card for Houston Dash

Alozie received a red card playing for the Houston Dash in an NWSL fixture against the San Diego Wave.

Michelle Alozie was only in action for 33 minutes before a red card. Image Credit - Houston Dash
Michelle Alozie was only in action for 33 minutes before a red card. Image Credit - Houston Dash

The red card for Alozie saw her miss the next game for Houston Dash away against Uchenna Kanu's Racing Louisville.

Alozie was invited to the Super Falcons for the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifier against Sao Tome, which was canceled.

With her suspension over, Alozie is expected to return to action when the Houston Dash take on Ifeoma Onumonu's Gotham FC on Sunday, October 1st, 2023.

Nashville SC minority owner and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo displayed his football skills to thrill fans in attendance before the Leagues Cup final against Inter Miami.
Nashville SC minority owner and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo displayed his football skills to thrill fans in attendance before the Leagues Cup final against Inter Miami.

Giannis also did not support Messi

Alozie is not the first player of Nigerian descent to root against Messi.

Before the game, Giannis stated that he admires Messi for all he has accomplished in football. (Giannis/Instagram)
Before the game, Giannis stated that he admires Messi for all he has accomplished in football. (Giannis/Instagram)

In the League's Cup final, Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo supported Nashville against Messi's Inter Miami.

Antetokounmpo and his brother did Cristiano Ronaldo's SIU celebration before the game as Nashville went on to lose on penalties.

Inter Miami owner David Beckham welcomed France football legend Zinedine Zidane to the game as they posed for pictures with Messi. - Image Credit- Inter Miami
Inter Miami owner David Beckham welcomed France football legend Zinedine Zidane to the game as they posed for pictures with Messi. - Image Credit- Inter Miami

Celebrities at the US Open Final

There were several notable names to come watch the US Open final.

Inter Miami owner David Beckham welcomed France football legend Zinedine Zidane to the game as they posed for pictures with Messi.

Philadelphia 76ers point guard James Harden who is a part owner for the Houston Dynamo also came to see his team win the trophy.

Messi has been a part of 16 goals and scored 11 of them, helping the squad win every game in which he has appeared for Inter Miami - Image Credit - Inter Miami
Messi has been a part of 16 goals and scored 11 of them, helping the squad win every game in which he has appeared for Inter Miami - Image Credit - Inter Miami

Messi with Inter Miami

Since his arrival in Miami in July as part of a record-breaking agreement, Messi has made a spectacular impression in the MLS.

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami midfielder || Photo Credit: AP
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami midfielder || Photo Credit: AP

He has been a part of 16 goals and scored 11 of them, helping the squad win every game in which he has appeared.

With five games remaining and two games in hand, Miami is five points behind New York City FC, whom they play on Saturday in Major League Soccer, for the final playoff place.

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