Messi’s US Open Cup final absence a reminder age always takes its toll

The 36-year-old was unfit to play in Miami's defeat to Houston on Wednesday night. The club should consider calling time on his epic, remarkable season

Lionel Messi reached his breaking point. At least for now. The Argentinian has been remarkably durable throughout his club and international career. However, at 36, 12 spellbinding games in two months for his new club - after a season with PSG sandwiched by the World Cup triumph where he played every single minute - has proved too much.

As such, Inter Miami were without their blockbuster acquisition for arguably the biggest game in the club's history. In the US Open Cup final on Wednesday night a fatigued squad lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in Fort Lauderdale. Messi could only watch from the stands.