Diego Rossi delivered a dramatic 90th-minute winner, lifting Monterrey to a 2-1 victory over a depleted Inter Miami side that was without Lionel Messi on Saturday night. The Argentine superstar had flown back to his homeland earlier in the day following the death of his father, Jorge, leaving the Herons to navigate a crucial Leagues Cup group-stage fixture without their talisman.

Rossi, who joined Monterrey on July 3 from the Columbus Crew, showed the predatory instincts that made him the 2022 MLS Golden Boot winner. His late strike capped a spirited second-half revival from the Mexican side, who had trailed at the break. The Uruguayan forward has a history of success in North American soccer, having helped Columbus secure both the 2023 MLS Cup and the 2024 Leagues Cup titles.

Monterrey's equalizer came just two minutes into the second half through Hugo Cuypers. The Belgian striker, who was named an MLS All-Star in 2026, had been in blistering form for the Chicago Fire before his transfer on July 23, scoring 13 goals in just 11 appearances this season. Cuypers found the net to cancel out Inter Miami's first-half advantage.

Miami had taken the lead in the 32nd minute through a moment of brilliance from Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentine midfielder unleashed a powerful strike from 25 yards that curled inside the left post, leaving the Monterrey goalkeeper with no chance. In an emotional tribute to his absent teammate, De Paul removed his shirt during the celebration to reveal a T-shirt bearing Messi's number 10, a gesture that earned him a yellow card from the referee. The moment underscored the deep bond within the squad, particularly among the Argentine contingent.

The match also saw an early injury blow for Monterrey, with defender Carlos Salcedo forced off in the 15th minute. Jorge Rodríguez came on as his replacement, slotting into the backline as the visitors adjusted their shape.

Inter Miami entered the contest with a mixed record in the group stage. They had opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, a match in which Messi scored twice and added an assist. The 39-year-old had only recently returned to action after a two-week break following Argentina's runner-up finish in the World Cup. He made his first appearance as a substitute in a 2-2 MLS draw with Columbus on August 1, before his explosive performance in the Leagues Cup opener.

Now, with one group match remaining, Miami's path to the knockout stage looks precarious. The team sits with three points from two games, and their fate no longer rests entirely in their own hands. The club won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and reached the final again last year, but this season's campaign has been disrupted by Messi's absence.

Both teams will conclude the group phase on Wednesday. Inter Miami will host León at home, while Monterrey travels to face Nashville. The Herons will need a victory and hope other results fall their way to keep their title defense alive.

For now, the focus remains on Messi's personal loss. The Argentine legend, who turned 39 in June, has not indicated when he will rejoin the squad. His father, Jorge, was not only his parent but also his longtime agent and a constant presence throughout his career. The soccer world has offered condolences, and Inter Miami has stated that the club will give Messi all the time he needs to be with his family.