Monterrey and Inter Miami met in a high‑stakes group‑stage clash of the Leagues Cup, each hoping to cement a spot in the knockout rounds.
The encounter took a somber turn when Lionel Messi, a key figure for Inter Miami, was absent from the lineup, having traveled back to Argentina after his father Jorge’s death.
A Personal Loss on the Pitch
Messi’s two‑week hiatus follows Argentina’s runner‑up finish at the 2022 World Cup, a break that has left the team without its star forward for this crucial match.
Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Rodrigo De Paul struck from 25 yards, putting the visitors ahead 1‑0 at halftime.
Monterrey answered quickly, with Hugo Cuypers leveling the game in the 47th minute after a swift counter‑attack that erased the deficit.
The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute when Diego Rossi, who had previously claimed the MLS Golden Boot with Los Angeles FC and helped Columbus Crew to a 2023 MLS Cup, slotted home the winner to finish 2‑1.
Rossi’s celebration briefly revealed Messi’s No. 10 jersey, a gesture that earned him a yellow card but also highlighted the respect between the players.
With one group match remaining, Inter Miami’s path to the next round looks uncertain, while Monterrey’s victory gives them a solid footing heading into the final fixtures.