Inter Miami will play their second game in the 2025 Leagues Cup against Necaxa on Saturday night as the tournament’s league phase continues.
By James Nalton
Lionel Messi has already had a standout moment in the competition, as his side will now be looking for an improvement on their opening match against Atlas.
Messi instrumental again
Inter Miami were seconds away from a disappointing draw in their first fixture of this tournament, which pits MLS sides against those from Mexico’s Liga MX.
The score in the game against Atlas was tied at 1-1, and the clock was counting down into the sixth minute of a minimum of five to be added on.
Up stepped Messi, not with a goal, but with an assist and an instrumental part in the move that brought the dramatic late winner scored by his compatriot Marcelo Weigandt.
Messi played a one-two with Luis Suárez before finding Weigant, who had started the move and was now well placed to tap in the winner.
It’s a knockout tournament, with a trophy on the line, and Messi turned on the style in a key moment.
The team can now also call upon Rodrigo De Paul, the new signing, whose paperwork was sorted in time for him to debut against Atlas.
Leagues taking shape
As only four of 18 teams will progress to the knockout rounds from each league, wins are vital at this stage, and even winning each of the three league phase matches might not guarantee progress.
Goal difference is likely to play a part once each team have played their three league phase matches, and one goal wins might not be enough.
Inter Miami, like all the teams in this tournament, will likely need more than narrow wins if they’re to progress, and they’ll be aiming to be more convincing in the remaining two games than they were against Atlas.
The Leagues Cup can be seen as assessing the relative strength of each league, pitting two against each other as well as individual clubs.
At the time of writing, MLS has the edge, having won ten to Liga MX’s eight, with six draws.
Seattle Sounders’ 7-0 win against current Concacaf Champions Cup holders Cruz Azul was an especially notable statement victory.
Inter Miami now needs one of its own against Necaxa.
Opposition watch: Necaxa
Necaxa scored the second-most goals in last season’s Liga MX Clausura league stage, but also conceded more than their fair share.
They come into this game on the back of scoring three against Atlanta United in a 3-1 win in the opening game of their Leagues Cup campaign, and will be among the Mexican sides looking to build on a good early win.
Their attack of Pavel Pérez and Diber Cambindo, supported by midfielder Agustín Palavecino, can score against anyone, and they’ll fancy their chances against Inter Miami’s defence.
Prediction
Miami will be looking to rack up the goals, but there could be plenty for both teams. That said, you’d still fancy Inter Miami with Messi and the introduction of De Paul to get the win at home.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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