Inter Miami secured a dramatic victory over Mexican club Necaxa in the Leagues Cup on Saturday night, navigating a challenging match that saw them overcome significant adversity to triumph in a thrilling penalty shootout.

The highly anticipated Leagues Cup encounter at Chase Stadium was fraught with obstacles for Inter Miami, as the team had to contend with the early departure of superstar Lionel Messi due to injury, a crucial ejection of Maxi Falcon, and the oppressive Florida heat, all contributing to a tense atmosphere on the pitch.

Despite these considerable setbacks, the soccer match remained fiercely contested, with both sides trading blows and creating scoring opportunities. Necaxa displayed formidable resilience throughout the game, pushing Inter Miami’s defense and making every possession a battle, setting the stage for a truly dramatic conclusion.

The turning point for Inter Miami arrived in added time when Jordi Alba, defying his stature, rose to meet a perfectly delivered free kick from Rodrigo De Paul and powered a header into the net for the equalizer. This pivotal goal by the veteran full-back ignited Inter Miami’s hopes and forced the high-stakes game into a decisive penalty kicks scenario.

Rodrigo De Paul, in only his second start since joining the team last week, demonstrated his immediate impact by delivering the crucial free kick that led to Alba’s equalizer. His quick integration into the Inter Miami squad highlights the team’s strategic player acquisitions and their profound influence on critical match outcomes in the Leagues Cup.

The tension escalated as the soccer match proceeded to penalty kicks, a true test of nerve and precision for both squads. Inter Miami’s players exhibited remarkable composure under pressure, successfully converting their attempts from the spot, ultimately securing the hard-fought victory against a determined Necaxa side at Chase Stadium.

This dramatic triumph in the Leagues Cup not only showcases Inter Miami’s profound resilience in the face of adversity but also cements their position as a formidable contender in the tournament. The team’s collective spirit and ability to overcome significant challenges, including the absence of key players like Lionel Messi, speaks volumes about their depth and winning mentality moving forward.