Despite a winning start in the 2025 Leagues Cup, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are poised for a critical phase, as the Argentine maestro aims to reclaim his peak performance and propel his club higher in the tournament standings.
The expanded 2025 Leagues Cup introduces an intriguing new format, where MLS and LIGA MX clubs compete, with only the top four from each league advancing to the fiercely contested knockout stage. This structure intensifies every group stage match, making early wins crucial for progression in this football tournament.
Although Inter Miami secured their initial victory, the current standings reveal a challenging path forward, placing them sixth due to goal difference. Coach Javier Mascherano, however, remains optimistic, emphasizing that with two group games remaining, there is ample opportunity for the Inter Miami team to improve its position.
Lionel Messi showcased flashes of brilliance in their opening match, delivering key assists for goals by Telasco Segovia and Marcelo Weigandt. Yet, the star player openly acknowledged feeling fatigued, noting the impact of a recent one-game suspension on his match rhythm, underscoring his need for consistent competitive play in MLS soccer.
For Lionel Messi, maintaining a consistent competitive rhythm is paramount to his performance. He expressed that even short breaks can disrupt his flow, highlighting his preference for continuous match play to achieve optimal physical condition. His past record, with two goals in four of five matches post-FIFA Club World Cup, underscores his capacity for prolific scoring when in form.
Javier Mascherano anticipates Messi will soon rediscover his unparalleled form, particularly with Inter Miami benefiting from a significant home advantage in the coming weeks. Three of their next four crucial matches are scheduled at Chase Stadium, offering a familiar environment for the team to build momentum and for Messi to hit his stride.
The Leagues Cup field is proving highly competitive, with formidable teams already making strong statements. Reigning Concacaf Champions Cup winners Cruz Azul suffered a heavy defeat, while other clubs like Seattle, Portland, the Galaxy, and Minnesota lead the MLS contingent. Inter Miami’s upcoming fixtures include a face-off against Necaxa, led by new coach Fernando Gago, a former teammate of Messi’s, and then a challenging home game against Tigres UANL.
The match against Necaxa carries an interesting subplot, given Gago’s history as a former teammate of both Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano, sharing the field in significant international fixtures, including Argentina’s 2008 Olympic gold medal win and the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup final. This personal connection adds an extra layer of intrigue as Inter Miami approaches their final group stage match against Tigres UANL, a game crucial for their knockout stage aspirations in the Leagues Cup.
