Just seven minutes into the clash, Messi made a piercing run toward the top of the penalty area, only to collide with two Necaxa defenders. The impact silenced the stadium. The 38-year-old maestro, who has been the heartbeat of Inter Miami, struggled to his feet, grimacing in discomfort. Despite receiving on-field treatment from Miami’s medical staff, it was clear he could not continue. By the 11th minute, the captain was substituted, replaced by Federico Redondo, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Miami’s Leagues Cup campaign and igniting concern across the football world. No immediate update was available on Messi’s injury, and his durability—already a hot topic after a grueling season—will once again be under the microscope. For a team that has seen Messi play 80+ minutes on 24 occasions in 2025, fatigue and fixture congestion are real threats, especially with the Herons competing in three cup competitions this season, more than any other MLS side.
Yet, football is a game of resilience, and Inter Miami proved as much. Within moments of Messi’s exit, Telasco Segovia seized the moment. In the 12th minute, Rodrigo De Paul threaded a clever header outside the box to Segovia, who took a deft touch, cut to his right, and unleashed a curling shot into the top right corner—a stunning goal that electrified the home crowd and gave Miami a 1-0 lead. The stadium roared, hope momentarily restored. (Inter Miami CF vs. Necaxa – ESPN Gamecast)
But the evening’s narrative was far from simple. In the 16th minute, Inter Miami’s defense was dealt another blow as Maxi Falcón was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, leaving the Herons to battle with ten men for the remainder of the match. Necaxa pressed their advantage relentlessly. Their patience paid off in the 33rd minute when Raúl Sánchez whipped in a low cross from the left, and Tomás Badaloni slipped ahead of his marker to finish coolly, leveling the score at 1-1.
The second half was a spectacle of nerves and grit. Necaxa pushed forward, exploiting their numerical superiority. Inter Miami, anchored by the heroics of goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, absorbed wave after wave of attacks. Necaxa’s Cristian Calderón saw red after a second booking, leveling the playing field and giving Miami a lifeline. The tension was palpable, every tackle and save amplified by the occasion. Johan Rojas came close for Necaxa, rattling the crossbar, while Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba marshaled Miami’s efforts to regain control.
As the final whistle echoed across the pitch, the score remained deadlocked, a testament to Inter Miami’s determination in the face of adversity and Necaxa’s relentless pursuit. The result leaves both teams on three points in Group A, with all to play for in the upcoming fixtures. For Miami, the focus now shifts to Messi’s recovery ahead of their crucial showdown with Pumas UNAM on Wednesday—a match that could define their Leagues Cup journey.
The night at Chase Stadium will be remembered not only for its goals and cards but for its raw emotion, the uncertainty surrounding a global icon, and the unyielding spirit of a team tested to its limits. For more on the tournament format and standings, visit the official MLS Leagues Cup guide.
In the world of football, nothing is ever certain—but nights like these remind us why we watch: for the drama, for the heroes, and for the storylines that make the beautiful game truly unforgettable.