MIAMI (AP) \u2014 Diego Rossi scored the go-ahead goal in the 90th minute to help Monterrey to a 2-1 win over Inter Miami, which played without Lionel Messi, in the group stage of the Leagues Cup on Saturday night.<\/p>\n
Messi returned to his native Argentina following the death of his father<\/a>, Jorge, earlier in the day. It is not known when the 39-year-old star forward will return to the club.<\/p>\n The 39-year-old Messi took a two-week break after leading Argentina to a runner-up World Cup finish. He made his first appearance as a reserve when Inter Miami tied Columbus 2-2<\/a> in an MLS match Aug. 1. Messi then had two goals and an assist in Inter Miami\u2019s first Leagues Cup match \u2013 a 4-2<\/a> win against Atletico San Luis on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Miami (1-1-0, 3 points) won the 2023 Leagues Cup and reached the final last year, but its chances of advancing to the knockout stage appear bleak with one match remaining in its 18-team group.<\/p>\n The strike by Rossi, who was acquired July 3 from the Columbus Crew, capped a two-goal second half for Monterrey (1-1-0, 3 points). Rossi won the 2022 MLS Golden Boot for Los Angeles FC and he helped Columbus to titles in the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup.<\/p>\n Monterrey erased a 1-0 halftime deficit on Hugo Cuypers\u2019 equalizer in the 47th minute. Cuypers was an 2026 MLS All-Star and scored 13 goals in 11 games this season for the Chicago Fire before his transfer to Monterrey on July 23.<\/p>\n Rodrigo De Paul put Inter Miami on the board with a strike from 25 yards that landed inside the left post in the 32nd minute.<\/p>\n As he celebrated the goal, De Paul temporarily removed his No. 7 jersey to reveal Messi\u2019s No. 10 in support of his national team and club teammate, which resulted in a yellow card.<\/p>\n Monterrey defender Carlos Salcedo went off due to an injury in the 15th minute and was replaced by Jorge Rodr\u00edguez.<\/p>\n Both clubs conclude the group phase on Wednesday. Miami will host Le\u00f3n while Monterrey will visit Nashville.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n