Football matches often promise fireworks but deliver a damp squib. This wasn’t one of those nights. When Inter Miami vs. Atlas kicked off the 2025 Leagues Cup campaign, the air in Fort Lauderdale felt heavy, not just with the South Florida humidity, but with the massive expectation that comes whenever Lionel Messi steps onto the grass.
People expected a blowout. They got a street fight.
Honestly, the narrative heading into this game was all about the "new-look" Herons. Javier Mascherano had taken the reins, and everyone was buzzing about the debut of Rodrigo De Paul. It felt like an Argentina national team reunion in the middle of Chase Stadium. But Atlas, the "Zorros" of Liga MX, clearly didn't get the memo that they were supposed to be the supporting cast. They played like a team with absolutely nothing to lose and a huge point to prove against the MLS elite.
The Night Inter Miami vs. Atlas Turned Into a VAR Thriller
The match didn't start with a bang. It was more of a slow burn. Miami dominated the ball—standard procedure when you have Sergio Busquets pulling the strings—but they looked vulnerable. In fact, if we're being real, Atlas should have been up by two before the halftime whistle. Eduardo Aguirre had two massive chances with his head, and only some acrobatic heroics from Rocco Ríos Novo kept the scoreline at 0-0.
Then the second half happened.
Telasco Segovia broke the deadlock in the 57th minute. It was a classic Miami goal: Busquets threaded a needle to find Messi, who then laid it on a silver platter for Segovia to tap home. You’d think that would be it. Miami usually chokes the life out of games once they lead. Instead, Atlas found a second wind. Rivaldo Lozano silenced the home crowd in the 80th minute, smashing a shot off the post and in after a chaotic sequence in the box.
Why the 96th Minute Changed Everything
The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife as the clock ticked into stoppage time. Penalties were looming. You could see Mascherano on the sideline already checking his list of shooters.
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But Messi isn't really a "settle for penalties" kind of guy.
In the 96th minute, he combined with Luis Suárez in a sequence that looked like it was ripped straight from their Barcelona highlights reel. A quick give-and-go, a burst into the box, and a low cross that Marcelo Weigandt bundled over the line. The stadium exploded, but then came the silence. The linesman's flag was up. Offside.
For three minutes, the entire stadium stared at the big screen. The VAR check felt like an eternity. Juan Calderón, the referee, finally pointed to the center circle. Goal given. Weigandt was onside by the thinnest of margins, and Miami escaped with a 2-1 win.
Tactical Breakdown: How Atlas Nearly Cracked the Code
Most MLS teams show too much respect to Miami’s veteran core. Atlas didn't. They played a high-energy 3-4-3 system that targeted the space behind Miami's wing-backs.
- Midfield Pressure: Aldo Rocha was a nuisance. He didn't let Busquets breathe for the first 45 minutes, which is why Miami struggled to create clear-cut chances early on.
- The De Paul Factor: Rodrigo De Paul’s debut was fascinating. He brought a level of "dark arts" and energy to the Miami midfield that they’ve lacked. He wasn't perfect, but his ability to break up Atlas counters was the reason the Mexican side couldn't find a second goal.
- The Ageless Duo: Even when they’re not "on," Messi and Suárez are a problem. They spent 90% of the game looking frustrated, yet they still managed to manufacture the winning moment out of thin air.
One thing that often goes under the radar in these Inter Miami vs. Atlas discussions is the historical milestone reached that night. Benjamin Cremaschi came on as a sub in the 77th minute. In doing so, he became the first Inter Miami Academy product to hit 100 appearances for the club. It was a rare moment of "homegrown" pride in a team increasingly defined by global superstars.
What This Means for the Future of Leagues Cup
If you're looking for lessons from this clash, it’s that the gap between the top of MLS and the middle of Liga MX is razor-thin. Atlas is a mid-table side in Mexico, yet they pushed a star-studded Miami to the absolute brink.
The physical toll of these matches is also worth watching. Segovia left the pitch with what looked like a leg injury, and the intensity of the fouls (25 total between the two teams) suggests these "friendly" mid-season tournaments are anything but.
For Miami, the win was a relief. For Atlas, it was a "what if" night.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Analysts
If you're following the trajectory of these two clubs, keep an eye on these specific developments:
- Watch the Weigandt/Messi Connection: Marcelo Weigandt has developed a knack for being in the right place when Messi drifts wide. Expect more "ghost runs" from him in late-game scenarios.
- Monitor Miami's Defensive Transitions: They still look shaky when teams bypass their midfield. If Atlas could create five clear chances, more clinical teams will do worse damage.
- Respect the Mexican Underdogs: Don't sleep on Atlas in the knockout rounds if they progress. Their 3-4-3 setup is a nightmare for teams that lack pace in their back three.
To truly understand where Inter Miami is going, you have to look at the 2026 roster decisions. With Luis Suárez recently signing a one-year extension through 2026 and Rodrigo De Paul’s option being exercised, the "win now" window is wide open. But as Atlas proved, winning isn't as simple as just showing up with a roster of icons. You still have to survive the 96th minute.