Inter Miami and Lionel Messi pulled off a last-minute equalizer against Necaxa and then clinched the win in a penalty shootout. Just when it looked like Mascherano’s side was heading for a crucial loss in the Leagues Cup group stage, Jordi Alba scored a clutch header to tie the game, and Luis Suárez converted the decisive penalty, securing two key points for the Herons.
With this result, the Florida team has now collected 5 out of 6 possible points from their first two matches, putting them in a strong position heading into the third and final group stage fixture.
That decisive game will be against Pumas UNAM, a tough opponent also eyeing a spot in the next round. If Inter Miami finishes among the top four MLS teams, they will advance directly to the quarterfinals.
Big advantage: Pumas will be without Keylor Navas
Following their shootout win, Inter Miami received some unexpected good news: Keylor Navas, Pumas’ veteran Costa Rican goalkeeper, will miss the upcoming clash due to a red card he received in the win over Atlanta United. Late in that match, Navas came out too far and collided heavily with a rival striker. The referee didn’t hesitate to show him a straight red.
Just like Inter Miami, Pumas also has five points and needs a win—or potentially just a shootout victory—to move on. But they’ll have to do it without their starting keeper. The question now is: who will be in goal against the Herons?
Pumas’ goalkeeping options: youth or risk?
With Navas suspended, three young goalkeepers are in contention:
- Pablo Lara (20): the most experienced of the group, with 7 appearances last season.
- Miguel Paul (21): played 2 games in the most recent campaign.
- Rodrigo Parra (17): yet to make his first-team debut.
see also
What injury did Lionel Messi suffer in Inter Miami vs. Necaxa? Reports raise concerns after early exit
In the final moments against Atlanta, left back Álvaro Angulo stepped in as emergency keeper, since Pumas had already used all their substitution windows. All eyes are now on coach Gustavo Lema to make the call: who will step up between the posts for the biggest match of their group stage?
see also
Leagues Cup 2025 TV schedule and streaming info for U.S. viewers
