Rossi’s Late Strike Seals Monterrey Leagues Cup Win
Diego Rossi scored in the 90th minute to lift Monterrey past Inter Miami 2-1 on Saturday night, extending Miami’s Leagues Cup struggles as the club continues without Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Messi returned to Argentina after the death of his father, Jorge, earlier that day, and it remains unclear when the 39-year-old will rejoin the team.
Although Messi had taken a two-week break following Argentina’s runner-up World Cup finish, he had recently returned to action. Indeed, he came off the bench in a 2-2 draw with Columbus on Aug. 1, then scored twice and added an assist during a 4-2 win over Atletico San Luis last Wednesday.
Despite the loss, Miami (1-1-0, 3 points) still holds the 2023 Leagues Cup title and reached last year’s final. However, with one group match remaining, its path to the knockout round looks increasingly difficult.
Cuypers Levels Score in Leagues Cup Comeback
Rossi, who joined Monterrey (1-1-0, 3 points) from the Columbus Crew on July 3, capped a two-goal second half for his new club. Previously, he won the 2022 MLS Golden Boot with Los Angeles FC and helped Columbus capture the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup titles.
Monterrey had trailed 1-0 at halftime before Hugo Cuypers equalized in the 47th minute. Cuypers, a 2026 MLS All-Star who scored 13 goals in 11 games for the Chicago Fire this season, joined Monterrey on July 23.
Earlier, Rodrigo De Paul had given Miami the lead with a 25-yard strike in the 32nd minute. As he celebrated, De Paul briefly lifted his jersey to reveal Messi’s No. 10 underneath, a gesture that drew a yellow card.
Monterrey also lost defender Carlos Salcedo to injury in the 15th minute, and Jorge Rodríguez replaced him. Both teams close out the group stage Wednesday, with Miami hosting León and Monterrey traveling to face Nashville.
