Inter Miami rallied from setbacks Lionel Messi’s injury two expulsions in Inter Miami vs Necaxa and fought back to beat Necaxa in a 2‑2 Leagues Cup draw winning 5‑4 on penalties. Rodrigo De Paul and Jordi Alba led the charge. Get start times, full timeline, injury updates and what’s next.
🏟 Inter Miami vs Necaxa Recap
Inter Miami drew 2‑2 with Necaxa at Chase Stadium in their second Leagues Cup Phase One match onAugust 2, 2025 then won 5‑4 on penalties to secure two points. Despite early chaos including Lionel Messi’s exit in the 11th minute and a red card for Maxi Falcón, Miami showed perseverance and depth.
Moments later Telasco Segovia opened the scoring, and after Necaxa equalized via Tomás Badaloni and later Ricardo Monreal, Jordi Alba headed in a stoppage-time equalizer before the Herons clinched victory in the shootout with perfect kicks.
🩹 Messi Goes Down Early
Lionel Messi suffered right hamstring discomfort during a run in the 7th minute and was substituted in the 11th. Coach Javier Mascherano confirmed post-match he’d felt a pull and that the extent of the injury would be clearer the next day. This came right after Messi delivered two assists in Miami’s opener against Atlas.
👊 Rodrigo De Paul Steps Up
In his second match with Inter Miami Rodrigo De Paul controlled the midfield earning Man of the Match honors for two assists a converted penalty in the shootout and dominant stats (80% passing 11/17 duels won). Coach Mascherano praised his leadership and rapid adaptation.
🚩 Red Cards Shape the Match
Early injuries aside Inter Miami were reduced to ten men when Maximiliano Falcón received a straight red for denying an obvious goal‑scoring opportunity. Later Cristian Calderón for Necaxa also received a second yellow making it 10v10 for much of the match. Mascherano criticized the VAR non review and the lack of officiating clarity.
⚽ Goal Timeline
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 11′ | Messi injured, replaced by Redondo |
| ~12′ | Segovia scores for Miami |
| 33′ | Badaloni equalizes for Necaxa |
| 60′ | Calderón sent off (Necaxa, second YC) |
| ~80′ | Monreal puts Necaxa ahead |
| 90+2′ | Alba equals with headed goal |
One step closer ‼️ See you next Wednesday 🏟️
Secure your tickets here: https://t.co/z7ncEYWRdL pic.twitter.com/5Xf7mFlm0I
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 3, 2025
🎯 Penalty Shootout Drama
Inter Miami converted all five penalties while Necaxa missed one Badaloni’s spot kick saved by Rocco Ríos Novo. Goals from De Paul, Cremaschi, Alba, Redondo and Suárez sealed the comeback and two critical points.
🧠 Broader Context & Team Impact
With this result, Miami sits at 5 points (1‑0‑1) in group play. They face Pumas UNAM on Aug 6 a must win for advancement. Messi’s injury raises concerns with his durability nearing a record 16-match clean streak since joining Miami.
Yet the Herons continue to build depth Mascherano cited heart and hunger as defining traits in this win.
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