Full Breakdown
Inter Miami Falls 2-1 to Monterrey in Leagues Cup Amid Messi Family Tragedy
8/10/2026, 2:22:45 PM
Match outcome and immediate context
Inter Miami lost 2-1 to Mexican side Monterrey in a Leagues Cup group-stage match on Saturday at Miami’s Nu Stadium. The defeat ended Miami’s unbeaten run that had begun after a loss on May 2, snapping an eight-game streak. With the loss, Inter Miami slipped to 10th place out of 18 MLS teams in the tournament and faces elimination ahead of its next group match.
Player contributions and squad issues
Lionel Messi was absent after traveling to Rosario, Argentina, where his 68-year-old father, Jorge Messi, died early that morning. Teammates wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence before kickoff. Midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, wearing Messi’s No. 10 jersey beneath his shirt, scored the opening goal with a right-footed strike from outside the box and received a yellow card for the celebration. Monterrey equalized early in the second half through Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers and secured the winner in the 90th minute via former MLS player Diego Rossi, exploiting a defensive lapse. Miami’s attack was further limited by the suspension of Luis Suarez and injuries to German Berterame and Mateo Silvetti.
Statistics and tournament implications
Monterrey held 58 % possession to Miami’s 42 % and recorded six shots on goal compared with Miami’s four. Miami entered the match with three points from its opening win over San Luis; three other MLS teams already had six points, leaving Miami in a “deep hole” in the group.
Official responses
Inter Miami announced that no coaches or players would be available for post-match interviews. Monterrey coach Matías Almeyda expressed sympathy for Messi’s family, noting his own recent loss of a parent.
Verbatim quote
“I am sure he is feeling sadness at the loss of a father; I lost mine recently,” — Matias Almeyda, monterrey coach
