FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Inter Miami secured a Leagues Cup victory on Saturday night after a dramatic penalty shootout following the early injury withdrawal of Lionel Messi. The Herons prevailed 5-4 after a 3-2 match against Necaxa, overcoming a first-half deficit and a significant setback when their captain was forced off with an injury.
Luis Suárez was ultimately the hero, converting the decisive penalty kick into the top left corner.
The game took an immediate turn in the eighth minute when Messi sustained a hamstring injury after a challenge near the penalty area. The Argentinian superstar slowly made his way to the Inter Miami bench before being assessed by medical staff. He was subsequently substituted in the 11th minute.
Playing with a numerical disadvantage for the remainder of regulation, Inter Miami continued to press. Telasco Segovia opened the scoring in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a through ball from new signing Rodrigo De Paul, who had already registered two assists in his second match with the club. It was Segovia’s second goal of the tournament.
Necaxa responded quickly, with Ricardo Monreal netting a goal in the 81st minute, seemingly sealing the victory for the Mexican side.
However, Inter Miami refused to yield. With just two minutes remaining in added time, Jordi Alba leveled the score with a powerful header, sparked by a free kick from De Paul, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo proved crucial, saving Tomás Badaloni’s attempt in the third round. Inter Miami then successfully converted all five of its penalty kicks, securing the victory.
The match represents a significant moment for Inter Miami, particularly considering Messi’s injury, and highlights the team’s resilience and tactical adaptability.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Fuente: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/inter-miami-rallies-beat-necaxa-014720617.html