De Paul Sparks Inter Miami's Thrilling 2-1 Comeback Victory Over Atlas in Leagues Cup Debut
Inter Miami secured a thrilling 2–1 victory over Liga MX outfit Atlas in an exciting League Cup encounter that marked Rodrigo De Paul's first appearance for the team.
The Herons controlled the ball for most of the opening period, though Atlas created the clearest scoring opportunities. Eduardo Aguirre had two golden chances to put the Mexican side ahead with close-range headers, but a wayward effort and an excellent stop from Rocco Ríos Novo kept the match goalless.
Luis Suárez came close to breaking his seven-match scoring drought just before the break, but his half-volley struck the woodwork. Miami continued their positive play after the restart, though Camilo Vargas frustrated both Suárez and Lionel Messi in the early stages of the second period.
Eventually, just shy of the 60-minute mark, the home side broke the deadlock. Sergio Busquets delivered an exquisite pass for Messi, who reached the ball ahead of Vargas. Messi squared it for Telasco Segovia, who slotted Miami's first goal into an empty goal.
Atlas pressed forward desperately, requiring a leveler to keep their tournament hopes alive. With 10 minutes remaining, Sergio Hernandéz escaped from Rodrigo De Paul and Marcelo Weigandt before delivering a threatening cross. Following several deflections, the ball landed perfectly for Rivaldo Lozano, whose strike cannoned off the upright before crossing the line to restore parity.
Deep into added time, Suárez and Messi orchestrated a magnificent move that culminated with the Argentine setting up Weigandt for the decisive strike. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but following a VAR review, the decision was overturned in what proved to be the match's final moment.
The Herons were far from their peak performance, but securing three points was paramount. Any other outcome would have severely damaged Javier Mascherano's team's pursuit of League Cup success. Miami will now look to improve upon this display when they face Necaxa next.
Individual player assessments from Inter Miami's triumph are listed below.
Inter Miami Player Ratings vs Atlas (4-2-3-1)
Ratings Provided by FotMob
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Rocco Ríos Novo | 7.6 |
RB: Marcelo Weigandt | 7.8 |
CB: Maximiliano Falcón | 7.4 |
CB: Gonzalo Luján | 7.2 |
LB: Jordi Alba | 7.9 |
CM: Rodrigo De Paul | 7.7 |
CM: Sergio Busquets | 7 |
RW: Tadeo Allende | 6.7 |
AM: Lionel Messi | 9 |
LW: Telasco Segovia | 8.3 |
ST: Luis Suárez | 7.8 |
SUB: Federico Redondo (68' for Segovia) | 6 |
SUB: Benjamin Cremaschi (77' for Allende) | 6.1 |
Atlas Player Ratings vs. Inter Miami (3-4-3)
Ratings Provided by FotMob
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Camilo Vargas | 6.4 |
CB: Róber Pier | 5.8 |
CB: Gaddi Aguirre | 6.7 |
CB: Matheus Doria | 5.8 |
RWB: Gustavo Ferrareis | 7 |
CM: Aldo Rocha | 7 |
CM: Sergio Hernández | 6.7 |
LWB: Jorge Rodríguez | 6.5 |
RW: Arturo González | 7.3 |
ST: Uroš Đurđević | 6.3 |
LW: Eduardo Aguirre | 6.5 |
SUB: Rivaldo Lozano (46' for Rodríguez) | 7.5 |
SUB: Matías Coccaro (68' for Doria) | 6.2 |
SUB: Carlos Orrantia (82' for Hernández) | N/A |
SUB: Jesús Serrato (82' for González) | N/A |
SUB: Alonso Ramírez (88' for Rocha) | N/A |
Player of the Match: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)