Inter Miami CF is set to host Club Necaxa of Liga MX in a highly anticipated Leagues Cup 2025 showdown on Saturday, August 2. The match, scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, features two teams looking to build on successful starts to their tournament campaigns.
Both clubs enter their second fixture with three points already secured. Inter Miami clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Atlas FC in their opener, while Necaxa posted an impressive 3-1 win against Atlanta United. With the tournament’s unique format, this match carries significant weight for both sides as they vie for a spot in the knockout rounds.
High Stakes in New Format
The 2025 Leagues Cup features a revamped structure where 18 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX teams compete in separate, league-specific tables during the initial phase. Only the top four clubs from each league’s table will advance to the quarterfinals, making every match and goal differential critically important. A second consecutive win would place either Inter Miami or Necaxa in a commanding position to qualify.
Inter Miami, the inaugural Leagues Cup champions in 2023, are looking to leverage their home-field advantage and star power. In their win against Atlas, captain Lionel Messi was instrumental, providing assists on both goals. The first was scored by midfielder Telasco Segovia, and the second was a dramatic stoppage-time winner from right-back Marcelo Weigandt. According to the club’s official website, Messi has been in scintillating form this season, tallying 24 goals across 29 appearances in all competitions.
Star Power on Display
The match against Atlas also marked the debut of World Cup-winning Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who played the full 90 minutes. Head coach Javier Mascherano has emphasized the importance of the chemistry between his star players and confirmed they would be available for Saturday’s clash. “He’s someone who feels much better playing than resting,” Mascherano said of Messi, as reported by World Soccer Talk. “Unless Leo feels fatigue and tells us, the idea is for him to play every game.”
The Herons will, however, be without injured goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez. Rocco Rios Novo will continue to deputize in goal.
Club Necaxa arrives in South Florida confident after their decisive victory over Atlanta. Their attack was powered by a brace from forward Tomás Badaloni, who may earn a starting spot after his performance. The Mexican side faces the daunting task of containing an Inter Miami attack featuring Messi, Luis Suárez, and a midfield anchored by Sergio Busquets and De Paul. Necaxa will also likely be without Emilio Lara and Agustín Oliveros for the match.
Confirmed Starting Lineups
Both teams have announced strong starting XIs for the crucial encounter.
Inter Miami XI: Rocco Rios Novo (GK); Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Tadeo Allende, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi.
Necaxa XI: Ezequiel Unsain (GK); Cristian Calderon, Alexis Peña, Diego De Buen, Tomas Jacob; Kevin Rosero, Ivan Rodriguez, Agustin Palavecino; Raul Sanchez, Diber Cambindo, Tomas Badaloni.
The match will not be on traditional television in the U.S. but can be streamed live globally via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. With both teams in fine form and aiming to secure a path to the next round, fans can expect a competitive and thrilling contest at Chase Stadium.
