The 2025 Leagues Cup is underway and it is a tournament that has special meaning for Inter Miami.
It was the first trophy they won after the arrival of Lionel Messi and now they want to create that success again, this time with the help of Rodrigo de Paul. The Argentinian midfielder played the full game against Atlas on Wednesday and showed flashes of his European family tree.
Telasco Segovia opened the score for Inter Miami at night and a while it seemed that it would be a comfortable victory for the home team. But in the 80th minute, replacement Rivaldo Lozano benefited for a deflection to level the score for Atlas. Then, deep in the stop time, Messi delivered a moment of inspiration and focused Marcelo “Chelo” Weigandt to score a winner in the 96th minute and to secure all three points for the Javier Mascherano team.
Lionel Messi excited with competitions cup victory
“It's a great tournament that we always look forward to,” Messi Apple TV said after the game.
“We won it earlier. I couldn't play last year, but the team was still doing well. It is a big challenge, especially taking on strong Mexican sides. The size has changed, but it is still a competition that we like to be part of.”
Messi emphasized the importance of a strong start: “It mattered. None of the MLS teams had won yesterday, so it was important for us to get the result today and to get a lead. We also compete among each other, not only against the Mexican teams. Every goal and point counts.”
The big change for Inter Miami in the night was the introduction of Rodrigo de Paul, the international teammate of Messi. The Paul arrives from Atlético Madrid and he is an obvious upgrade for this Miami team and adds more fame with Messi.
“We have known each other for a long time and have played many matches together,” said Messi about the Paul. “He increases the level of the team. He is hardly trained and has still covered so much soil, even in these difficult circumstances with the heat and humidity. The point is that the team played well and we have three important points.”
Messi spoke wider about the team, it insisted that the herons are ready to challenge for titles this year. This year they were short of the Concacaf Champions Cup, but they still have a real chance to add another cup this summer.
“We are always ready to compete,” said Messi. “Earlier this year we had a strong run in the Concacaf Champions Cup and almost made the final. We are in the battle for the top spots in the competition, had a solid show at the World Cup club, and now we have added a great player like Rodrigo.”
“We have had many injuries, but we have succeeded in continuing. This is a tournament that we like – it is short, competitive and gives us a chance for a different title and a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup. We will fight for it, just like we always do.”