08/08/26 10:20:00
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08/08 22:18 CDT Diego Rossi helps Monterrey to 2-1 Leagues Cup win over
Messi-less Inter Miami
Diego Rossi helps Monterrey to 2-1 Leagues Cup win over Messi-less Inter Miami
MIAMI (AP) --- Diego Rossi scored the go-ahead goal in the 90th minute to help
Monterrey to a 2-1 win over Inter Miami, which played without Lionel Messi, in
the group stage of the Leagues Cup on Saturday night.
Messi returned to his native Argentina following the death of his father,
Jorge, earlier in the day. It is not known when the 39-year-old star forward
will return to the club.
The 39-year-old Messi took a two-week break after leading Argentina to a
runner-up World Cup finish. He made his first appearance as a reserve when
Inter Miami tied Columbus 2-2 in an MLS match Aug. 1. Messi then had two goals
and an assist in Inter Miami's first Leagues Cup match -- a 4-2 win against
Atletico San Luis on Wednesday.
Miami (1-1-0, 3 points) won the 2023 Leagues Cup and reached the final last
year, but its chances of advancing to the knockout stage appear bleak with one
match remaining in its 18-team group.
The strike by Rossi, who was acquired July 3 from the Columbus Crew, capped a
two-goal second half for Monterrey (1-1-0, 3 points). Rossi won the 2022 MLS
Golden Boot for Los Angeles FC and he helped Columbus to titles in the 2023 MLS
Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup.
Monterrey erased a 1-0 halftime deficit on Hugo Cuypers' equalizer in the 47th
minute. Cuypers was an 2026 MLS All-Star and scored 13 goals in 11 games this
season for the Chicago Fire before his transfer to Monterrey on July 23.
Rodrigo De Paul put Inter Miami on the board with a strike from 25 yards that
landed inside the left post in the 32nd minute.
As he celebrated the goal, De Paul temporarily removed his No. 7 jersey to
reveal Messi's No. 10 in support of his national team and club teammate, which
resulted in a yellow card.
Monterrey defender Carlos Salcedo went off due to an injury in the 15th minute
and was replaced by Jorge Rodrguez.
Both clubs conclude the group phase on Wednesday. Miami will host Len while
Monterrey will visit Nashville.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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