Inter Miami continues to make waves in the 2025 Leagues Cup, showcasing resilience and skill as they remain unbeaten in six of their last seven matches. Their recent dramatic last-minute victory over Atlas, powered by Lionel Messi’s two crucial assists, set a high bar for the club’s ambitions this season. With the spotlight shining brightly on Messi, fans eagerly awaited his availability for the upcoming clash against Necaxa on August 2, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Head coach Javier Mascherano has masterfully built an offensively dominant team that outperformed Atlas across key metrics such as passes and shots on goal. A standout figure emerging from this squad is young striker Telasco Segovia, whose dual role as a creative playmaker and goal-scorer has added a fresh dynamism to Inter Miami’s attack. Despite a rocky start to the 2025 Leagues Cup, where the team struggled to secure their first victory, the anticipation to see Messi lead the front line against Necaxa was palpable, especially given his commanding presence atop the MLS top scorers list and as the leader in assists in the tournament.
Messi’s journey through the 2025 Leagues Cup has been marked by both triumph and controversy. Following Inter Miami’s debut win against Atlas on July 30, 2025, Messi addressed the suspension he received from Major League Soccer (MLS) due to his unexcused absence from the All-Star Game. The sanction sidelined him for the match against FC Cincinnati on July 26, creating an 11-day gap between his competitive appearances. Reflecting on this period, Messi told Apple TV, “Not playing the other day, even if it seems better for me on paper, is actually worse because I need to compete. I feel good physically when I play games and find my rhythm.” He admitted to feeling sluggish in the first half against Atlas but emphasized the importance of the team’s victory.
The Argentine superstar’s experience and pedigree in the Leagues Cup are well documented. Having led Inter Miami to victory in the 2022-23 edition of the tournament and finishing as the top scorer, Messi’s role remains pivotal. His leadership on the field is complemented by the recent addition of midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who made his debut against Atlas and immediately impressed. Messi praised De Paul’s arrival, highlighting their long-standing partnership on the Argentina national team and the midfielder’s energy and quality, even under challenging conditions of heat and humidity.
As Inter Miami prepared for their second Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, the stakes were high. A second win would significantly bolster their chances of advancing deeper into the competition, where Miami aims to be among the top four MLS teams after facing Mexican opposition in three matches. Necaxa, fresh from a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United, posed a formidable challenge. The Mexican side, coached by Fernando Gago—a former teammate of Messi and Mascherano—brought their own ambitions to the match, hoping to upset Miami and improve their standing in the Liga MX table.
The match kicked off on August 2, 2025, with both teams fielding strong lineups. Inter Miami’s starting eleven featured Rocco Rios Novo in goal, a defensive line including Marcelo Weigandt and Jordi Alba, and a midfield anchored by Tadeo Allende, Rodrigo De Paul, and Sergio Busquets. Upfront, Messi paired with Luis Suarez, while Necaxa countered with a 4-4-2 formation led by Tomás Badaloni, who had scored a brace in their opening match.
However, the game took an early dramatic turn when Messi sustained an upper right-leg injury in the 11th minute after an offensive surge into the penalty area. Despite his early exit, Inter Miami quickly responded with Telasco Segovia scoring just a minute later, demonstrating the team’s depth and resilience. The match saw intense back-and-forth action, with Necaxa’s Badaloni and Ricardo Monreal finding the net, while Inter Miami’s Segovia and later Jordi Alba, assisted by De Paul, kept the scoreline level. Both teams finished with ten men after red card ejections, adding to the match’s intensity.
The contest culminated in a tense penalty shootout, where Inter Miami’s composure shone through. Rodrigo De Paul, Benjamin Cremaschi, Alba, Federico Redondo, and Luis Suarez all converted their penalties, while goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo made a crucial save against Badaloni. Suarez’s successful final penalty sealed a 5-4 shootout victory, earning Inter Miami two valuable points and maintaining their position atop the Leagues Cup MLS standings with five points.
Despite the injury setback to Messi, the team’s collective effort and tactical discipline under Mascherano’s guidance proved decisive. The victory not only kept Miami’s tournament hopes alive but also highlighted the squad’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity. Necaxa’s coach Gago acknowledged the special challenge of facing familiar opponents but remained focused on his team’s objectives.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami’s schedule remains demanding, with upcoming Leagues Cup matches against Pumas and crucial MLS fixtures against Orlando City, LA Galaxy, and D.C. United. The club’s blend of experienced stars like Messi and Suarez, combined with emerging talents such as De Paul and Segovia, positions them as serious contenders in both domestic and international competitions.
Inter Miami’s journey in the 2025 Leagues Cup encapsulates the thrilling unpredictability of soccer, where moments of brilliance, resilience, and teamwork converge. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Messi’s recovery and the team’s ability to sustain their impressive form against tough opposition.
