Even without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami pulled off a stunning penalty shootout victory over Necaxa in the Leagues Cup, proving their squad’s depth and resilience.
Inter Miami’s journey in the Leagues Cup continues after a tense battle against Necaxa, which had to be decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The Florida-based club showed grit and teamwork despite missing their star man Lionel Messi due to injury. While the Argentine’s absence was felt, teammates stepped up impressively. The match ended level in regular time, leading to spot-kicks. Miami’s composure under pressure allowed them to take home the win. This victory highlights the team’s growing maturity and ability to perform under pressure, especially in knockout situations. Fans are hopeful that Messi will return soon, but this result boosts confidence in the squad’s overall capability.
Inter Miami faced Necaxa in the Leagues Cup, a fixture expected to favor the Mexican side due to Messi’s absence. But the Miami team had other plans. From kickoff, the match was competitive, with both teams pushing for dominance. Miami, despite lacking their Argentine talisman, moved the ball well and found rhythm in attack. The midfield duo controlled possession while the backline repelled counterattacks efficiently. Necaxa had their chances but failed to capitalize. The real excitement came in the final minutes, when both sides tried to break the deadlock without success. Eventually, it went to penalties—a dreaded fate for many clubs.
With Lionel Messi on the bench nursing an injury, questions arose over how Inter Miami would respond. The answer was loud and clear: together. Players like Campana, Taylor, and Yedlin rose to the occasion. Their movements were cohesive, and they stayed composed under pressure. It was a performance not defined by individual brilliance, but by collective resilience. This kind of maturity from a relatively young squad shows the influence of Messi even when he’s not on the pitch. It also speaks volumes about the coaching staff's ability to prepare the team beyond star dependence.
When regular time couldn’t separate the teams, penalties became the decider. Inter Miami stepped up with confidence, converting shot after shot with clinical precision. Necaxa, on the other hand, missed a crucial spot kick that tilted the balance. The Miami goalkeeper played the hero, diving to stop a low shot that would’ve leveled the scores. The bench erupted, the fans roared, and Miami walked away victorious. It was a test of nerve, a trial of character, and Miami passed with flying colors.
Shootouts can be cruel, but also revealing. What we saw from Inter Miami was a squad prepared not just physically, but mentally. The players stayed calm, their eyes fixed on the prize. Each step to the penalty spot was taken with confidence. For the coaching staff, it was validation. For the fans, a relief. And for football, it was a reminder that drama often arrives without scripts—and without Messi. But in this drama, Miami were the stars.