“Messi? Let God’s will happen”

The Mexican Hector Herrerafigure of Houston Dynamoemphasized the enthusiasm and desire that his team will face this Wednesday in the finals of US Open Cup in front of Inter Miami by Lionel Messi, whom he defined as “the best in the world and the best in history.”

“For us it is a motivation to be able to play against him. I have had the opportunity to play many times (against him) and it is something that motivates you, you are excited to beat him,” he said in a press conference about to the Argentine star, whose participation in the final is still in doubt due to his muscle problems.

“Knowing ‘Tata’ (Gerardo Martino) and how they handle themselves there, they will wait to see if he can play or not because we know what he is capable of on the field. But we are focused on us, on what we. have to do with us,” he added.

With Herrera and the Panamanian Adalberto Carrasquilla as references, the Houston Dynamo will play this final at the DRV PNK Stadium, Inter Miami’s field, starting at 8:30 pm on Wednesday (00:30 am GMT on Thursday).

The presence or absence of Messi in this final took all the headlines from the previous one and the Mexican midfielder warned of the danger of 10 of the albiceleste on the field. “I’ve said it many times: it’s like he’s not in the game and he can’t find the spaces, but as soon as you give him the minimum space he takes advantage of it,” he said. “There is no theory to prevent this. I think we will have to work very well as a team and let whatever God wants happen,” he explained.

Although Inter Miami was initially the favorite, because it would have the support of its fans, Herrera said that the Houston team was “calm, energetic, aware.” “I think we’ve done things well and that’s our strength: the group and the union we have,” he said.

Herrera, who arrived in MLS last year, has been key to the good progress of the Dynamo, who are fourth in the MLS Western Conference and have five wins, two draws and one loss in their last eight games. “I said this when I arrived: I am coming to change the history of the club, to put it in competition against the best teams in the league, I am coming to win titles,” he recalled.

“This is my first full season and I think we are very good, but we want more (…). Tomorrow we have a great opportunity to make history, to bring joy to our people, to ourselves and to our families ( …). It will be a very special day if we bring home the cup,” he added.

A fan of Sergio Busquets and ‘Tata’

In addition to Messi, Herrera also had words of praise for Sergio Busquets, who, in his opinion, is “if not the best, one of the best players in his position.” “I admire him a lot for his calmness, the way he plays,” he said. “He always comes out playing with such composure and finds passes that no one sees,” he added, stressing that it will be a pleasure to face him again.

Finally, Herrera also emphasized the “very good relationship” he has with Martino, whom he met during the Argentine’s time as Mexico coach.

“I think he’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. Although the end of the national team was not what we all expected, I think when he arrived (in Mexico) he did a great job, like what he’s doing now. in Miami,” he declared. He said he believes Martino’s speech “the kids really understood and it’s a major part of change in Miami.”