Messi Returns, but Inter Miami Still Eliminated from League Cup

(Football Results) - Inter Miami suffered a 2-3 defeat against Leon despite Lionel Messi coming on at the start of the second half, in a thrilling match with a breathless exchange of goals.

Inter Miami suffered a 2-3 defeat against Leon in a dramatic match at the 2026 Leagues Cup, even though Lionel Messi was brought on at the very start of the second half.

Inter Miami entered the clash against Leon at home determined to secure a win, but the MLS side experienced a highly turbulent match. Despite enjoying good possession and creating a superior number of chances, Inter Miami ultimately had to accept a 2-3 loss.

Right from the kickoff, Inter Miami quickly imposed their game plan. The home team controlled 63% of possession after 13 minutes and constantly put pressure on Leon's goal. Meanwhile, the Mexican representative was almost unable to mount any attacks and had not yet registered a single shot.

Inter Miami's pressure continued for the rest of the first half. In the 42nd minute, D. Pinter capitalized on an assist from I. Fray to open the scoring at 1-0. The goal was a deserved reward for the home side, as they had completely dominated their opponents in terms of shots.

At the start of the second half, Inter Miami immediately brought Lionel Messi onto the pitch. However, instead of helping the home team control the match, the appearance of the Argentine superstar sparked a nail-biting back-and-forth goal fest.

In the 50th minute, D. Arcila took advantage of a pass from D. Cambindo to equalize 1-1 for Leon. Just four minutes later, Y. Bright scored to restore Inter Miami's lead at 2-1.

Leon did not give up. In the 60th minute, J. P. Dominguez Chonteco brought the match back to square one with a 2-2 equalizer. Inter Miami then continued to pile on the pressure, at one point controlling 62% of possession and registering 16 shots compared to the opponent's 7.

However, that dominance was not converted into goals. In the 85th minute, D. Arcila completed his brace following an assist from D. Cambindo, putting Leon ahead 3-2. In the final minutes, Inter Miami threw everything forward. The home side had 19 shots and 9 corner kicks, but Leon's defense stood firm under the pressure.

After two minutes of stoppage time, Leon made several consecutive substitutions to preserve their advantage. The final whistle blew with a 3-2 victory for the visitors. This defeat saw Inter Miami eliminated from the Leagues Cup.

Team News: Inter Miami vs Club Leon

• Inter Miami:Messi is absent, Suarez is suspended, and Berterame along with Allende are injured.
• Club Leon:Full squad available.

Predicted Lineups: Inter Miami vs Club Leon

• Inter Miami:Rios Novo; Allen, Micael, Mura, Fray; Segovia, Bright, Casemiro, De Paul; Pinter, Delinoi.
• Club Leon:Garcia; Moreno, Romana, Guevara, Vegas; Rodriguez; Cortizo, Echeverria, Beltra, Arcila; Santos.

Form & Head-to-Head History

• Recent Form Inter Miami:In their last 5 matches, Inter Miami have won 3, drawn 1, and lost 1. They have scored 11 goals and conceded 8 times.
• Club Leon's Form:In their last 5 matches, Club Leon have won 3 and lost 2. They have scored 6 goals and conceded 5 times.
• Head-to-Head History:In the past, these two teams have never faced each other.