Miami Inter secures victory without Messi following Saturday's injury incident
Inter Miami Secures Leagues Cup Victory in Dramatic Penalty Shootout
In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, Inter Miami defeated Necaxa in the 2025 Leagues Cup final. Despite losing their captain, Lionel Messi, early due to injury, the team showed grit and fought back to secure a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.
The match started on a disappointing note for Inter Miami as Necaxa took the lead through Tomás Badaloni in the 33rd minute. However, Inter Miami responded with a strong performance, with Rodrigo De Paul delivering a standout display, registering two assists in the game.
Telasco Segovia scored the equaliser for Inter Miami in the 12th minute, and just when it seemed the match was heading for extra time, Jordi Alba equalised with a header off a De Paul cross in stoppage time (90'+2').
The match ended 2-2 in regulation, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo made a crucial save against Badaloni, and Luis Suárez buried the winning penalty in the fifth round. Rodrigo De Paul, Jordi Alba, Benjamin Cremaschi, Federico Redondo, and Luis Suárez scored penalties for Inter Miami, securing a hard-fought victory.
Inter Miami currently have 5 points in their group and will return to MLS play on August 10 against Orlando City. Their next Leagues Cup group match is against Pumas UNAM on August 6. If they advance, the quarterfinals will begin on Aug. 19.
Javier Mascherano, the head coach of Inter Miami, will be pleased with his team's performance and their ability to overcome adversity. The team showed great character, with Luis Suárez taking a leading role in both attack and the penalty shootout, compensating for Messi's absence.
Inter Miami's tactical defense and composure under pressure, especially from their goalkeeper and key players like Jordi Alba and De Paul, enabled them to win the shootout against Necaxa. The team will look to build on this victory and continue their impressive form in the upcoming matches.
[1] Source: Inter Miami CF Official Website [2] Source: ESPN FC [3] Source: Fox Sports
Upcoming Matches: - Aug. 6: Inter Miami vs Pumas UNAM (Leagues Cup group match) - Aug. 10: Inter Miami vs Orlando City (MLS play) - Aug. 16: Inter Miami vs LA Galaxy (MLS play) - Aug. 19 (TBC): Leagues Cup Quarterfinals
Current Standings: - Inter Miami: 5 points (Leagues Cup group stage)
- "In light of their Leagues Cup victory, it seems that Inter Miami's passion for sports, particularly football, is driving their success, as they aim to maintain their impressive form in their upcoming matches against Pumas UNAM, Orlando City, and LA Galaxy."
- "As Inter Miami's tactics and teamwork continue to strengthen their defense and boost their confidence in dramatic moments, such as the recent penalty shootout against Necaxa, they are likely to face their football rivals with increased determination and skill."
