By Favian Renkel
Inter Miami CF Survives — Even Without Their Best Player
What was written in the game preview quickly unraveled just 15 minutes into the match, when Lionel Messi exited with an apparent injury. Moments later, Telasco Segovia fired in a wonderstrike to give Necaxa the lead, but Maxi Falcón was sent off with a red card just minutes later — all before the 20-minute mark.
In a match where Inter Miami needed near-perfection, it was the worst possible start: the world’s best player sidelined, and down a man.
Tomas Badaloni pulled Necaxa level before halftime with his third goal of the tournament, offering a lifeline for the Liga MX side.
The second half brought more drama. Necaxa struck the crossbar just five minutes after the restart, nearly taking the lead for the first time with a man advantage. But the momentum shifted when Necaxa’s Calderón was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leveling both sides at 10 men.
Still, the challenge grew for the Herons. With less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, Necaxa’s Ricardo Monreal scored and celebrated with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature move — right in Chase Stadium, home to both Inter Miami and Messi himself.
But just when it seemed over, Jordi Alba delivered. The veteran fullback headed in a late equalizer to force a penalty shootout.
Inter Miami ultimately prevailed from the spot, surviving without Messi. Luis Suárez converted the decisive kick, squeezing his shot in off the crossbar.
Now sitting on five points, Inter Miami must wait — and hope other MLS sides fail to win in regulation — if they are to advance out of Phase One of the Leagues Cup.
REACTIONS
- Inter Miami Head Coach Javier Mascherano:
- “The sensation of the game was totally ruined... first the injury to Lionel Messi, then a foul that’s not a foul... that may have gotten us eliminated... that’s the reality.”
- Necaxa Head Coach Fernando Gago:
- “The result hurts today..I think we have to keep going... we have to keep growing like a team."
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Inter Miami CF:
- Rodrigo De Paul stepped up in a big way for Miami after Messi left with an injury finishing with 2 assists
- Club Necaxa:
- Agustin Palavecino came out of the game with an assist and was very active on numerous duels
GAME NOTES
- The injury to Messi will be the story of the next few days for Miami. Will we see him play again in Leagues Cup 2025
- Rodrigo De Paul was forced to take on a more offensive role following the injury to Messi and the red card, he delivered with a strong performance as he finished with two assists.
- Inter Miami CF have yet to keep a clean sheet in this Leagues Cup.
- Tomás Badaloni scored the only goal for Necaxa, he now has three goals in his two appearances this tournament.
- This is the second match in Leagues Cup where both teams have gotten a red card.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- Inter Miami: Luis Suárez
- Necaxa: Christian Calderón
- Red Cards:
- Inter Miami: Maximiliano Falcón (straight red)
- Necaxa: Christian Calderón (2nd yellow)
LOOKING AHEAD
- Inter Miami: Next match will be against UNAM Pumas on Aug. 6th. They currently have five points and sit in a good position heading into their final game of Phase One
- Necaxa: Next match will be against CF Montréal on Aug. 6th. With four points they'll still have a punchers chance at advancing to the Knockout State.
