Good, Bad and Ugly: Short-handed Inter Miami face Leagues Cup exit after 2-1 loss | OneFootball

Inter Miami fell 2-1 to CF Monterrey in the Leagues Cup, their hopes hanging on a knife-edge on a night shaped by Lionel Messi's absence following the death of his father.

According to interheron.com, tributes included "Fuerza Leo" signs, black armbands and a minute's silence, and Rodrigo De Paul added a personal gesture.

The Argentina midfielder, a close friend of Messi, struck in the 32nd minute after a short pass from Casemiro, drilling low into the left corner. He removed his shirt to reveal Messi's No 10 and formed a heart, earning a booking.

Monterrey responded after the interval, capitalising on Miami's loss of structure. Passes went astray, chances were blazed over and runners went untracked, and the visitors scored twice to overturn the lead.

Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos named a 4-4-2 and a threadbare squad, with depth stretched by multiple absences. The shortcomings told as fatigue and unfamiliar roles crept in.

After two of three Phase One games, Miami sit 11th among MLS sides on 3 points and can reach at most 6. Only four MLS teams progress to the quarter-finals. They must beat Club León on Wednesday by multiple goals and rely on others, and it seems virtually certain they will miss the knockouts.

Source: interheron.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”