How Inter Miami’s win, draw, or loss vs Monterrey could impact the 2026 Leagues Cup standings

Inter Miami host Monterrey on Saturday in Matchday 2 of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with the result carrying real weight for both sides’ hopes of reaching the knockout rounds — and with Miami set to be without Lionel Messi, who won’t feature today following the passing of his father.

The competition runs on two separate 18-team tables, one for MLS and one for Liga MX, with only the top four clubs from each advancing to the Round of 16. Miami currently sits second in the MLS table with three points and a plus-2 goal differential after their 4-2 win, with a Messi brace, over Atletico San Luis, trailing only Charlotte on goal difference.

Monterrey, meanwhile, sit at the bottom of the Liga MX table with zero points following their 2-1 opening loss to Orlando City, making Saturday’s match considerably more urgent for the Mexican side.

What happens if Inter Miami beat Monterrey

A victory in regulation would move Miami to six points, likely vaulting them into the top spot in the MLS table. It would also leave Miami needing just a positive result in their final group match to all but lock up a top-four finish and a spot in the knockout rounds for a fourth straight Leagues Cup.

For Monterrey, a loss would leave them on zero points through two matches, putting real pressure on their final outing to have any realistic shot at climbing into Liga MX’s top four.

What happens if Inter Miami and Monterrey draw

The Leagues Cup doesn’t allow for straight draws — any match tied after 90 minutes goes directly to a penalty shootout, with the winner awarded two points and the loser one.

Should Miami win the shootout, they’d move to five points, likely holding their position near the top of the MLS table, while Monterrey would collect one point but remain toward the bottom of the Liga MX standings.

If Monterrey instead win the shootout, Miami would sit on four points, still very much alive for the knockout rounds, while Monterrey would climb off zero points and keep their own qualification hopes within reach heading into the final matchday.

What happens if Inter Miami lose to Monterrey

A loss in regulation would leave Miami on three points, level with where they started the day, though a worse goal differential could see them slip several spots down the MLS table depending on other results. It wouldn’t be fatal to their knockout chances, but it would put considerable pressure on their final group-stage match to secure a top-four finish.

For Monterrey, meanwhile, a win would bring them to three points and go a long way toward reviving their own path to the knockout rounds after their rocky start to the tournament.