Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sports

Inter Miami Fights Back to Tie Necaxa, De Paul Shines Without Messi

Inter Miami secured two crucial points in their 2–2 draw against Liga MX’s Necaxa on Saturday night, following a tense shootout victory in the second round of the 2025 Leagues Cup. The match, held in Miami, was marked by significant challenges for the home team, including an early injury to star player Lionel Messi and a red card issued to center-back Maxi Falcón within the first 20 minutes. Despite these setbacks, Miami demonstrated resilience, maintaining their pursuit of a competitive position in the tournament.

The scoring opened with Telasco Segovia netting a goal for Inter Miami, but Necaxa responded with strikes from Tomas Badaloni and Ricardo Monreal. Just when it seemed Miami might succumb to defeat, Jordi Alba equalized in the second minute of stoppage time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Miami emerged victorious in the shootout, winning 5–4, with Luis Suárez delivering the decisive kick. This result keeps Miami in contention for a top-four seed in the MLS standings, as they prepare for their next match against Pumas UNAM on Wednesday.

Messi’s Early Exit Raises Concerns

The absence of Messi, who left the field in the 11th minute after a collision with two defenders, cast a shadow over Inter Miami’s performance. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that the severity of Messi’s injury remains unknown, with further tests scheduled for Sunday. This situation poses a potential challenge for Miami, as they would be without their key player for the first time this season if the injury proves significant. Messi has played over 80 minutes in 24 matches this year, underscoring his integral role in the team.

Resilience and Key Contributions

In the face of adversity, Inter Miami displayed a newfound determination, achieving a comeback that previously relied heavily on Messi’s presence. This match illustrated the team’s growth; they leaned on contributions from players like Rodrigo De Paul, who stepped up significantly in Messi’s absence. De Paul, who has quickly become a pivotal figure in Miami’s midfield, recorded ten passes into the final third and created multiple scoring opportunities. His strong performance reflects his seamless integration into the squad alongside veterans such as Sergio Busquets.

Homegrown talent Benjamin Cremaschi also played a vital role, captaining the team for the first time and leading a composed effort during a challenging match. The ability to secure points under pressure signifies a shift in the team’s mentality since Mascherano took over as head coach. Miami’s resilience will be tested further as they prepare for their decisive match against Pumas UNAM, where a win in regulation time will be crucial to securing their place in the next phase of the Leagues Cup.

As the tournament progresses, the implications of Messi’s fitness will be a focal point for Inter Miami. The club’s ability to adapt and find success without their star player will be critical in the coming weeks as they strive for a championship title.

You May Also Like

Lifestyle

Shares of **Amerant Bancorp** (NYSE:AMTB) received an upgrade from Wall Street Zen on March 10, 2024, transitioning from a hold rating to a buy...

Sports

The UFC event in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, featured a record-breaking performance from Steven Nguyen, who achieved an unprecedented feat by knocking...

Top Stories

UPDATE: Sydney Sweeney’s Baskin-Robbins advertisement is making waves online as backlash intensifies over her recent American Eagle campaign. Just days after critics condemned the...

Top Stories

BREAKING: The historic Durango-La Plata Aquatic Center, a cornerstone of community recreation since its opening in August 1958, is facing imminent demolition as part...

Business

An off-Strip casino in Las Vegas has unveiled Nevada’s latest sportsbook, Boomer’s Sports Book, as part of a substantial renovation. The new facility opened...

Top Stories

URGENT UPDATE: Affordable motorcycle helmets under ₹1000 are now available for safety-conscious riders across India. With road safety becoming a pressing issue, these helmets...

Sports

The Las Vegas Aces secured a convincing victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, defeating them 89-74 on March 12, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena. This...

Health

The ongoing impact of poverty on children’s health has prompted urgent calls for action from mental health advocacy groups. With a notable rise in...

Sports

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts, particularly focusing on tight ends. With players like Brock...

Technology

Polish cyclist Michał Kwiatkowski returned to competitive racing on Saturday at the Clásica San Sebastián, marking his first event in 141 days following a...

Health

Translucent, an innovative start-up specializing in artificial intelligence, has secured $7 million in seed funding to enhance its technology aimed at helping healthcare organizations...

Science

A unique exploration of adult film production has emerged through the lens of photographer Larry Sultan, who documented the ordinary suburban homes transformed into...

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website provides general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information presented. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult appropriate experts when needed. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information on this site.