This Saturday night, Inter Miami will play their second match of the Leagues Cup 2025. The game takes place at Chase Stadium against Necaxa from Mexico, as the Herons look for a win to move closer to a spot in the quarterfinals. Given how crucial he is to the team, all attention is understandably focused on Lionel Messi and whether he’ll be available to play.
The Argentine forward played the full 90 minutes in the tournament opener vs. Atlas on Wednesday. In that match, he assisted both Telasco Segovia and Marcelo Weigandt to help the Herons secure a valuable 2-1 win.
That result could prove decisive for Javier Mascherano’s squad. The tournament format—where only 4 of the 18 MLS teams advance to the next round—leaves virtually no margin for error. In fact, despite winning their first match, Inter Miami are currently outside the qualification zone due to goal differential.
Tonight’s game against Necaxa carries a massive weight. And that’s why Lionel Messi’s presence in the starting lineup is a major topic. “He’s someone who feels much better playing than resting,” Mascherano said during Friday’s press conference when asked about the Argentine forward’s availability. “Unless Leo feels fatigue and tells us, the idea is for him to play every game.”
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami lineup vs Necaxa
In line with his comments from the previous day, Mascherano included Lionel Messi in the starting XI for Inter Miami’s match against Necaxa at Chase Stadium. Alongside him will be the team’s other stars: Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, and Luis Suarez.
see also
Leagues Cup 2025 TV schedule and streaming info for U.S. viewers
Inter Miami’s projected starting lineup: Rocco Rios Novo; Marcelo Weigandt, Maxi Falcon, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Tadeo Allende, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.
Necaxa lineup
Necaxa, like Inter Miami, got off to a strong start in the Leagues Cup 2025. On Wednesday, they defeated Atlanta United 3-1, giving them a solid boost in their push for a quarterfinal spot. However, they currently sit outside the qualifying zone on goal differential.
Coach Fernando Gago chose this starting XI: Ezequiel Unsain; Cristian Calderon, Alexis Peña, Diego De Buen; Tomas Jacob, Kevin Rosero, Ivan Rodriguez, Agustin Palavecino; Raul Sanchez, Diber Cambindo, Tomas Badaloni.
