Without Messi, Inter Miami was eliminated by Columbus Crew from the Leagues Cup: from winning by two goals to losing 3-2 in a flurry

Inter Miami ante Columbus Crew por la Leagues Cup

Inter Miami, without Lionel Messi recovering from injury, was eliminated from the Leagues Cup in a thrilling clash against the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field in Columbus. Despite a promising start, Gerardo Martino’s team failed to hold on to their two-goal lead and suffered an unexpected 3-2 defeat in just 13 minutes. Thus, the last champion of the 2023 competition said goodbye in the round of 16 of the tournament that pits clubs from Major League Soccer in the United States and Liga MX in Mexico. The top three places in the Leagues Cup qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The match started well for the Miami team, thanks to a goal by Matías Rojas in the tenth minute. The home team accumulated several dangerous losses in the ball’s exit and soon paid dearly for it. The Paraguayan, assisted by his compatriot Diego Gómez, took advantage of a defensive error by Steven Moreira of the Columbus Crew and headed the ball into the back of the net.

August 13, 2024; Ohio, USA. Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suarez (9) controls the ball during the first half against the Columbus Crew at Lower.com (Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)

Wilfried Nancy’s men had a hard time getting into the game, accustomed to dominating from possession and looking very uncomfortable throughout the first half. It didn’t help that neither Cucho Juan Hernández nor Diego Rossi offered any escape routes from the pressure in the offensive section. Rossi, in an isolated play, had a clear chance in the front in the 43rd minute, but the Uruguayan striker sent the ball into the clouds. Apart from that scare, Inter Miami, with Martino clearly winning the tactical battle against Nancy, went into the break with the lead after a practically perfect first half for the team in pink.

In the 17th minute, it was Gomez’s turn to score the second goal after a counterattack and an ideal pass from Luis Suarez. With a seemingly secure 2-0 lead, Miami adopted a defensive stance. The Columbus Crew seemed shaken and almost sunk, but their reaction was as magnificent as it was furious.

August 13, 2024; Ohio, USA Columbus Crew forward Diego Rossi (10) celebrates after scoring in the second half against Inter Miami at Lower.com (Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

In a two-minute burst, substitute Christian Ramírez pulled one back in the 22nd minute with a great header, followed quickly by Diego Rossi, who tied the score in the 24th minute of the second half after taking advantage of a cross from Cucho. Dismay took hold of the Inter Miami players, who began to feel the physical exhaustion and the blow to morale of having squandered a two-goal lead. The hero was Rossi, who sealed the score ten minutes from the end with his second personal goal, sealing the victory for the home team.

With the match already in a back-and-forth affair with no pause, the Columbus Crew had a fourth chance in hand, but neither Rossi, Ramirez nor Jacen Russell-Rowe were accurate. Inter Miami gave it their all until the end and Lucho Suarez and Benjamin Cremaschi were close to equalizing in stoppage time, but the Columbus Crew raised their arms after a huge comeback. The next opponent in the quarterfinals will be the winner of the match between New York City and Tigres UANL of Mexico. On Monday, Seattle Sounders eliminated Pumas UNAM of Mexico after beating them 4-0.

Lionel Messi, who has not yet trained with the group due to an injury to his right ankle suffered in the Copa América final on July 14, but with the Uruguayan Luis Suárez and the Spaniards Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Las Garzas said goodbye to the competition they managed to win in 2023, achieving the institution’s only title. When he recovers, the Argentine captain will have to focus his sights on the MLS, the only tournament he has left and in which he is leading the Eastern Conference.

With information from agencies.