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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.

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