Inter Miami demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic depth in their recent Leagues Cup encounter against Liga MX’s Necaxa, securing a crucial two points after a dramatic 2–2 draw in regulation time, culminating in a penalty shootout victory. This pivotal match, their second in the 2025 Leagues Cup campaign, highlighted the team’s evolving character amidst significant on-field challenges.
The match began ominously for Inter Miami, as they faced immediate adversity with center back Maxi Falcón receiving a red card within the opening 20 minutes, leaving them with a numerical disadvantage. Despite this early setback, the Herons displayed an unyielding spirit, navigating through the difficulties to keep their hopes alive in the revised tournament format.
A major concern emerged early in the game when global superstar Lionel Messi, after showing initial flashes of brilliance, suffered an awkward fall following a collision with two Necaxa defenders inside the penalty area. Attempting to continue, Messi was ultimately substituted in the 11th minute, heading directly to the changing room, raising immediate concerns about a potential Lionel Messi Injury and its implications for the team.
Should Messi’s injury prove significant, it would mark the first extended period Inter Miami has played without their talismanic captain this season. His contributions have been immense, consistently leading in minutes played, underscoring his irreplaceable role. Co-owner Jorge Mas had previously cited fatigue as a factor for Messi missing matches, further emphasizing his critical importance to the MLS Soccer squad.
In the face of adversity, Inter Miami showcased the resolve often attributed to teams with deep championship aspirations. Despite Messi’s absence for 79 minutes plus penalties, the club rallied, drawing on the strengths of its other key contributors. Jordi Alba netted a crucial late goal to secure a point, while Telasco Segovia also found the back of the net, and homegrown midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi notably wore the captain’s armband, leading a composed comeback effort.
Stepping prominently into the void left by Messi was Rodrigo De Paul, who delivered a standout performance in only his second match with Inter Miami. His immediate integration into the midfield alongside Sergio Busquets has been seamless, proving him an instant contributor. Following Messi’s exit, De Paul seamlessly transitioned into a more advanced role, spearheading transitions and showcasing his playmaking prowess with 10 passes into the final third, four chances created, and assists on both of Miami’s goals.
De Paul’s forward surge strategically opened up play, allowing Federico Redondo and Busquets to adopt more defensive positions, effectively clogging central channels and compelling the Liga MX side to attack predominantly down the wings. This tactical adjustment proved instrumental in maintaining defensive solidity while still generating offensive opportunities, highlighting De Paul’s comprehensive impact beyond just scoring contributions in these vital Football Highlights.
With this hard-fought draw, Inter Miami now likely needs a regulation-time victory against Pumas UNAM to secure their progression in the Leagues Cup. The points gained against Necaxa were crucial for staying within reach of the eight total points typically required to advance among the top four MLS teams in the competition. The path ahead remains challenging, but their recent display of resilience provides a strong foundation.
The signing of Rodrigo De Paul clearly signaled Inter Miami’s serious championship intent, and his rapid adaptation and impactful performances, especially in the high-stakes Leagues Cup matches serving as a precursor to the MLS season, have exceeded expectations. His ability to step up in critical moments, particularly in the absence of star power, underscores his value and solidifies his position as a cornerstone of the team’s future success.
