Inter Miami will host Monterrey on Saturday in Matchday 2 of the 2026 Leagues Cup. The result will have significant implications for both teams’ aspirations to reach the knockout stage, and Miami will be without Lionel Messi, who is absent following his father’s passing.
The competition operates with two separate 18‑team tables, one for MLS clubs and one for Liga MX clubs, with the top four teams from each advancing to the Round of 16. Miami currently occupies second place in the MLS table with three points and a +2 goal differential after a 4‑2 victory over Atletico San Luis, highlighted by a Messi brace, while trailing Charlotte on goal difference.
Monterrey, conversely, sits at the bottom of the Liga MX table with zero points after a 2‑1 defeat to Orlando City, making Saturday’s match especially urgent for the Mexican side.
What happens if Inter Miami beat Monterrey
A regulation win would give Miami six points, likely propelling them to the summit of the MLS table. With a positive outcome in their final group match, they would virtually secure a top‑four finish and a place in the knockout stage for a fourth consecutive Leagues Cup.
A loss would leave Monterrey without points after two matches, significantly diminishing their chances of advancing to the Liga MX top four in the final fixture.
If Miami prevail in the shootout, they would reach five points, maintaining a strong position near the top of the MLS table, while Monterrey would earn a single point and stay near the bottom of the Liga MX rankings.
If Monterrey win the shootout, Miami would finish with four points, keeping their knockout hopes alive, while Monterrey would move from zero to three points, preserving their qualification prospects for the decisive match.
What happens if Inter Miami lose to Monterrey
A regulation loss would leave Miami with three points, matching their pre‑match tally, though a poorer goal differential could drop them several places in the MLS standings depending on other outcomes. While not eliminating their knockout prospects, it would heighten the pressure on their final group match to achieve a top‑four finish.
For Monterrey, meanwhile, a win would bring them to three points, offering a vital boost to their campaign after a challenging tournament start and keeping their knockout hopes alive.
