Miami: Even without their talisman Lionel Messi on the pitch, Inter Miami delivered a dramatic, come-from-behind victory in the Leagues Cup 2025, edging past Mexican side Necaxa in a tense penalty shootout. After a gripping 2-2 draw in regulation time, Miami prevailed 5-4 in the spot-kicks, showcasing both resilience and depth in Messi’s absence.
What began as a night clouded by concern quickly transformed into one of triumph. The turning point came early, as Messi, clearly in discomfort, limped off the field in the 11th minute due to a suspected muscle strain. With their captain and creative engine sidelined, the odds seemed to tilt in Necaxa’s favor but Inter Miami had other plans.
Ironically, the moment Messi exited, Inter Miami struck. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia seized the moment with a stunning long-range effort that found the net, giving Miami an early lead. But Necaxa responded with equal vigor. Tomas Badaloni’s clinical finish in the 33rd minute brought the Mexican side back into the contest.
The game tilted again late in the second half when Ricardo Monreal tapped in a rebound in the 81st minute, pushing Necaxa into a 2-1 lead and silencing the Miami crowd. But football, especially in this tournament, had more drama in store.
With time nearly up and Miami staring at elimination, Spanish veteran Jordi Alba rose literally to the occasion. His perfectly-timed header in injury time sent the ball past Necaxa’s keeper, leveling the score at 2-2 and sending the match into penalties amid a deafening roar from the home supporters.
In the shootout, both sides kept their composure through the early rounds. But the defining moment came when Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo made a brilliant diving save to deny Necaxa's fourth attempt. That opened the door for Luis Suárez, Messi’s long-time friend and teammate, to step up and deliver the final blow. With trademark calmness, Suárez slotted home the winning penalty, sealing Miami’s place in the next round.
The match, while overshadowed by Messi’s unexpected exit, became a showcase of Inter Miami’s team spirit and tactical grit. Segovia's brilliance, Alba's leadership, Novo's heroics, and Suárez's composure all proved that this Miami side is more than just a one-man show.
The club now awaits further medical reports on Messi’s injury, but their performance sent a clear message: Inter Miami can rise even when their brightest star falls.