De Paul replaces Messi to send Inter Miami into Leagues Cup quarterfinals

On August 7, MLS welcomed two new stars, Son Heung-min and Thomas Muller, to debut. At the same time, midfielder De Paul, who had just arrived, shined in place of his senior Messi, helping Inter Miami beat Pumas UNAM 3-1 to reach the League Cup quarterfinals.

De Paul scored the first goal for Messi

Messi smiled with satisfaction when his junior Rodrigo De Paul scored the first important goal for Inter Miami. The Argentine star had to sit out the match due to a minor muscle injury in his right leg in the match against Necaxa Club (Mexico) on August 3. He attended the match and supported his teammates, while the return date has not yet been determined. But according to coach Mascherano, Messi could soon return to play in just 1 or 2 weeks as the current treatment process is progressing very well.

De Paul (center) has become the perfect replacement for Messi at Inter Miami

Photo: Reuters

In Messi's absence, his close friend De Paul became the perfect replacement, along with veteran striker Suarez, both had a brilliant day to help Inter Miami make a spectacular comeback to defeat their Mexican opponents Pumas UNAM with a score of 3-1. Thereby, officially winning the right to enter the Leagues Cup quarter-finals regardless of the results of other matches.

Inter Miami finished the Leagues Cup group stage after 3 matches with 8 points, ensuring a place in the top 4 positions of the MLS (US) rankings to continue. In the quarterfinals, Inter Miami will play on August 19 or 20. This is a period of time that can be in time for Messi to return to play, continuing to maintain the hope of winning the championship.

Meanwhile, De Paul has left a strong impression in all three of his debut matches for Inter Miami. He and Messi contributed greatly to the 2-1 win over Atlas on July 31, then provided two assists in the 2-2 draw with Necaxa and the 5-4 penalty shootout win on August 3.

In the decisive match against Pumas UNAM, De Paul made a great contribution with the equalizer 1-1 in the 45th minute, after player Jorge Ruvalcaba unexpectedly helped the Mexican team take a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute.

De Paul (middle) was able to rescue Inter Miami when his senior Messi was injured.

Photo: Reuters

It was De Paul's solidity in midfield that helped Inter Miami regain control of the game and dominate Pumas UNAM throughout the second half. Thanks to that, striker Suarez shined back and played extremely sharply, contributing to the goal that raised the score to 2-1 in the 59th minute from the 11m mark.

Ten minutes later, striker Tadeo Allende scored a perfect goal to make it 3-1 for Inter Miami. Outside the stadium, Messi and his family who came to watch the match were extremely satisfied and happy with the team's achievement.

While Inter Miami advanced, Korean star Son Heung-min's new team, Los Angeles FC, lost their chance to advance, finishing the Leagues Cup group stage with 6 points after 3 matches, dropping to 6th place.

Son Heung-min's only hope of facing Messi is if Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami face each other in the MLS Cup later this year. On the same day, Vancouver Whitecaps FC also introduced midfielder Thomas Muller, making MLS more attractive with top stars flocking to join in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/de-paul-thay-messi-dua-inter-miami-vao-tu-ket-leagues-cup-185250807085146011.htm