Inter Miami Get Major Squad Reinforcement as They Gear Up for Crucial Leagues Cup Showdown Against Pumas

Inter Miami will have Maximiliano Falcón at their disposal for Wednesday's Leagues Cup Phase One concluding match against Pumas UNAM following the successful appeal of the defender's red card dismissal.

Falcón had received a red card in the 17th minute during the previous encounter with Necaxa. The Uruguayan center-back attempted to protect the ball from Diber Cambindo as the Necaxa striker pursued a through pass, and the subsequent contact led the referee to brandish a red card.

This controversial decision compounded the frustration after Lionel Messi was withdrawn just 10 minutes into the match due to what the team described as a minor muscular problem.

The Herons managed a 2–2 stalemate with their Liga MX opponents during regular time, ultimately prevailing in the subsequent penalty shootout to earn a crucial bonus point in their quest to reach the knockout rounds. The potential absence of Falcón could have stretched an already depleted Herons backline beyond its limits, but the 28-year-old defender may now feature in their Phase One decider against Pumas UNAM on Wednesday at Chase Stadium.

"Inter Miami CF filed an appeal with the Leagues Cup 2025 Disciplinary Committee to overturn the red card shown to player Maximiliano Falcón," Inter Miami announced in an official statement on social media.

"The Committee ruled, according to Chapter XIII of the Leagues Cup Tournament Regulations, to overturn the red card. Consequently, the player will be available for selection in the next fixture, and the Fair Play Table will be updated accordingly."

Messi, however, continues to be questionable for the upcoming clash. The Argentine superstar's availability will "depend on his medical evaluation and treatment response," according to Inter Miami.

Despite the addition of Rodrigo De Paul to the squad, Inter Miami's aspirations of capturing a second Leagues Cup title in three seasons would suffer significantly if Messi cannot return during this tournament.