Club de Fútbol Monterrey fell 2-1 to Inter Miami in the second round of the Leagues Cup, in a match overshadowed by Lionel Messi's absence following his father's death. Rodrigo De Paul scored a stunning goal and paid an emotional tribute to his absent teammate.
What happened in the match?
The game at Miami's Nu Stadium began with a minute of silence in memory of Messi's father. At 32 minutes, De Paul scored a powerful low shot that beat Luis Cárdenas. After scoring, the Argentine took off his shirt to reveal Messi's number 10, pointing to his name and forming a heart with his hands.
Why was this match special?
Messi's absence changed the course of the game. Fans displayed banners with messages of support, such as "Fuerza, Leo", while Messi's teammates wore black armbands. Club de Fútbol Monterrey, currently fifth in Liga MX with 6 points (2W-0D-1L) and a +2 goal difference, continues to fight for the title, just one point behind leader Club América.
What's next for Club de Fútbol Monterrey?
The team must now focus on their next Liga MX fixture, where they will aim to solidify their position in the standings. The loss to Inter Miami does not impact their domestic campaign, but it leaves a sense of missed opportunity in the international competition.
