Goals: Segovia 58', Weigandt 90+6' - Lozano 80'
Messi set up Inter Miami's opening goal early in the second half. After Rivaldo Lozano equalized in the 80th minute, the home side had to wait until the sixth minute of stoppage time to secure all three points with a close-range finish.
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De Paul (right) makes his debut in the Inter Miami - Atlas match on the morning of 31/7. Photo: Inter Miami |
De Paul (right) makes his debut in the Inter Miami - Atlas match on the morning of 31/7. Photo: Inter Miami
In this match, De Paul, the new signing from Atletico Madrid, was in the starting lineup. He partnered with Sergio Busquets in central midfield, supporting Messi in the attacking midfield role. Luis Suarez, Telasco Segovia, and Tadeo Allende formed the attacking trio.
The two teams battled from the start. Miami had better possession but fewer shots. In the 25th minute, goalkeeper Rios Novo made a superb save from Eduardo Aguirre's header towards the far corner. Miami responded quickly. In first-half stoppage time, after Busquets lofted a pass into the box, Suarez's volley hit the crossbar.
Miami increased the pressure after the break. In the 58th minute, their efforts paid off. After Busquets threaded a pass into the penalty area, Messi cleverly squared the ball to Segovia, who tapped it into the empty net as Vargas missed his attempt to intercept.
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Suarez takes a shot during the Inter Miami - Atlas match on the morning of 31/7. Photo: Inter Miami |
Suarez takes a shot during the Inter Miami - Atlas match on the morning of 31/7. Photo: Inter Miami
Miami continued to press after taking the lead. Suarez could have doubled the advantage in the 59th minute with a better finish. Messi also made several runs into the box, causing the Atlas defense to scramble.
However, in the 80th minute, the home side conceded unexpectedly. Hernandez beat his marker and crossed into the box, allowing Lozano to score from close range, leveling the score at 1-1.
Refusing to settle for a draw, Miami attacked relentlessly in the final minutes. Their persistence was rewarded with a beautiful attack in the sixth minute of added time. Messi delivered a cross to Weigandt, who slotted the ball home to seal the 2-1 victory.
Inter Miami's next two matches are against Necaxa on 2/8 and Unam on 6/8. The Leagues Cup 2025 has a new format. The tournament includes 18 MLS teams and 18 teams from the Mexican league. In the group stage, each team plays three opponents from the other league. The top eight teams from each league then advance to the single-elimination quarterfinals.
Thanh Quy
