Inter Miami survived a 2–2 draw against Necaxa in Leagues Cup 2025 with Jordi Alba scoring a stoppage-time equalizer and Luis Suárez sealing a 5–4 penalty shootout win. Lionel Messi exited early due to injury.
⚽ Inter Miami 2–2 Necaxa: Takeaways as Alba and Suárez Step Up Amid Messi Injury in Leagues Cup 2025
Inter Miami remained alive in the Leagues Cup 2025 after a dramatic 2–2 draw with Liga MX’s Necaxa, ultimately winning 5–4 in penalties on Saturday night. The Herons, despite a shaky first half that saw Lionel Messi exit injured and Maxi Falcón receive a red card, fought back with a resilient performance featuring key contributions from Jordi Alba, Telasco Segovia, and Luis Suárez.
🚨 First-Half Chaos: Messi’s Injury and Falcón’s Red Card
The night didn’t begin well for Miami fans. Just minutes into the game, Lionel Messi left the field with a suspected injury, casting a shadow over Inter Miami’s hopes in the Leagues Cup Phase One. Soon after, center-back Maxi Falcón was sent off with a straight red card, leaving Miami down to 10 men early in the first half.
This double setback put the Herons on the back foot, and Necaxa, led by Tomas Badaloni and Ricardo Monreal, capitalized on the advantage.
⚽ Telasco Segovia Strikes First
Despite the disadvantage, Inter Miami drew first blood through a powerful finish by Telasco Segovia. The midfielder showed class with a long-range strike that put the Herons up 1–0 temporarily and silenced critics questioning his consistency in midfield.
However, the lead didn’t last long. Tomas Badaloni responded quickly with an equalizer, and Ricardo Monreal added a second to put Necaxa ahead 2–1 before halftime.
🕓 Stoppage-Time Heroics: Jordi Alba Levels Late
With time running out and Inter Miami on the verge of defeat, veteran defender Jordi Alba delivered a moment of magic. In the second minute of second-half stoppage time, Alba smashed home the equalizer, sparking celebrations in DRV PNK Stadium and giving Miami a chance in penalties.
“We didn’t give up even for a second,” said Alba post-match. “This club has heart.”
🧊 Ice-Cool Suárez Wins It in Penalties
The game went to a penalty shootout, where both sides converted well. Eventually, it was Luis Suárez who stepped up and drilled the decisive kick, sealing a 5–4 win in penalties and giving Inter Miami two valuable points under the tournament’s new format.
Suárez’s composure under pressure kept Miami’s hopes alive in the MLS vs Liga MX rivalry that has become a highlight of the Leagues Cup 2025.
📊 Match Statistics
| Key Stats | Inter Miami | Necaxa |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 6 |
| Red Cards | 1 (Falcón) | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Penalty Shootout | 5 (Win) | 4 (Loss) |
🏆 Leagues Cup 2025: Standings and What’s Next
The shootout win means Inter Miami gains 2 points, while Necaxa takes 1. The Herons now have a chance to secure a top-four seed in the MLS table as they head into their final Phase One match against Pumas UNAM on Wednesday.
📈 Updated Standings – Group Table
| Team | P | W | D | L | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Necaxa | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Pumas UNAM | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Note: Points reflect Leagues Cup rules (2 points for shootout win, 1 for shootout loss).
🔍 Key Player Performances
⭐ Jordi Alba – 8.5/10
Scored a crucial late equalizer and provided leadership in Messi’s absence.
⭐ Telasco Segovia – 8/10
Opened the scoring with a brilliant strike, showing vision and drive in midfield.
⭐ Luis Suárez – 8/10
Clinical in the penalty shootout, burying the winner with confidence.
🗣️ Reactions and Analysis
📣 Coach Gerardo Martino:
“Losing Messi so early could’ve broken the team, but we regrouped and showed we’re not just one player.”
📲 Social Media Highlights:
- #InterMiami and #LeaguesCup2025 trended as fans celebrated Alba’s last-minute heroics.
- “No Messi, no problem. Jordi Alba saves the day!” — posted one fan on X.
- Others questioned Messi’s fitness heading into the MLS playoffs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was the final result of Inter Miami vs Necaxa?
A: It ended 2–2 in regulation, with Inter Miami winning 5–4 in penalties.
Q2: Why did Lionel Messi leave the match early?
A: Messi exited with a suspected injury, though official details are pending.
Q3: Who scored the goals for Inter Miami?
A: Telasco Segovia scored the first, and Jordi Alba scored in stoppage time.
Q4: Who scored the winning penalty?
A: Luis Suárez scored the decisive penalty for Inter Miami.
Q5: What’s next for Inter Miami in Leagues Cup?
A: They face Pumas UNAM in their final Phase One match.
📝 Final Thoughts
Inter Miami’s 2–2 draw against Necaxa, punctuated by a Jordi Alba equalizer and a Luis Suárez penalty, proved the team can battle adversity. Despite losing Messi to injury and playing with 10 men, the Herons showed resilience and depth.
With their final Phase One fixture against Pumas UNAM ahead, Miami must carry this momentum and fight for a place in the top four MLS standings to continue their Leagues Cup 2025 journey.