Messi Injury Can't Stop Inter Miami's Dramatic Penalty Shootout Victory Over Necaxa: Player Ratings

Jordi Alba found the net during the second minute of added time, and Luis Suárez converted the decisive penalty kick in the shootout to earn Inter Miami two crucial points against Liga MX side Necaxa in Leagues Cup action.

However, the match wasn't without controversy. Miami's Maxi Falcón received a red card in the first half, with Necaxa's Cristian Calderón also being dismissed in the second period, resulting in an open and fiercely competitive encounter. 

Before the dismissals began occurring, the evening's main narrative centered around Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient was forced to exit the game in the 11th minute after being fouled while dribbling toward the Necaxa penalty box. 

Despite Miami's previous struggles without Messi since his arrival in summer 2023, they took the lead shortly after as Telasco Segovia defeated Ezequiel Unsain in the 12th minute. 

The home team's advantage was short-lived. Falcón's dismissal in the 17th minute allowed Necaxa to level the score in the 33rd minute through Tomás Badaloni. Following Calderón's 61st minute ejection in the second half, both sides traded late strikes, with Ricardo Monreal and Alba each scoring to end regular time at 2–2. 

The stalemate forced both teams into a penalty shootout, where Suárez sealed victory for the Herons to claim two of three available points. This penalty shootout triumph keeps Miami's Leagues Cup hopes alive entering the final Phase One fixture against Pumas UNAM on Wednesday, where they'll aim to secure a top-four position among MLS teams.

Below are the individual player ratings from this encounter.

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Necaxa

Player Ratings Provided by FotMob

Necaxa Player Ratings vs. Inter Miami

Player Ratings Provided by FotMob

Player of the Match: Rodrigo De Paul