Inter Miami edge past Necaxa in Leagues Cup clash without injured Messi

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New Delhi: Lionel Messi’s night ended almost as soon as it began as he got injured in the eight minute against Necaxa in the League Cup clash. The Argentine star was seen pulling up near the edge of the box clutching his right thigh, he still tried to continue but clearly wasn’t comfortable.

By the 11th minute, Messi was off the pitch, walking to the bench under his power but leaving a huge question mark over his fitness. Losing the captain was definitely a blow but Inter Miami’s troubles were far from over.

Despite the odds, they struck first with Telasco Segovia firing home in the 15th minute, making the most of a clever through-ball from Rodrigo De Paul. Necaxa equalised through Tomas Badaloni in the 33rd minute and the Mexican side looked increasingly in control as the match wore on. They later turned the tides in their favour with an 81st-minute goal from Ricardo Monreal, putting Inter on the brink of defeat.

Alba rescues, Suarez seals

But when it looked like Miami were done, Jordi Alba delivered. Deep into the stoppage time, the veteran left-back rose high and connected with a De Paul free-kick heading it in to tie the match 2-2 and send it to penalties. It was a lifetime and Miami grabbed it.

 In the shootout both teams converted their first two penalties before Rocco Ríos Novo came up big for Miami, saving Badaloni’s third-round attempt. That opened the door for Luis Suarez who coolly blasted home the final penalty into the top corner to win it 5-4. With Messi out, the other stars stepped up for Miami’s rescue.

The win lifts Inter Miami to the top of their group standings with five points but their progression to the knockout stages still depends on other results this weekend.

Will Messi be available against Pumas UNAM?

After the match, head coach Javier Mascherano offered an update about Messi’s injury. He said Messi felt something but wasn’t in significant pain. The team has planned to run tests on Sunday to determine the severity of the issue. While the early signs point to a mild strain, the timeline for recovery will depend on the exact grade of the injury.