Diego Rossi scored a dramatic 90th-minute go-ahead goal to give Monterrey a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in Leagues Cup group stage action on Saturday night.
The match took place without Lionel Messi, who returned to his native Argentina following the death of his father, Jorge, earlier in the day.
It remains unclear when the 39-year-old superstar forward will return to Inter Miami’s squad following the family bereavement.
Messi had previously taken a two-week break after leading Argentina to a runner-up finish at the World Cup before returning to club action.
He made his first appearance of the season as a substitute when Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Columbus in an MLS match on August 1.
Messi had been in fine form heading into Saturday’s game, registering two goals and an assist in Inter Miami’s 4-2 Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis on Wednesday.
Rossi, who was acquired by Monterrey from the Columbus Crew on July 3, capped a strong second-half showing with his crucial late strike to settle the contest.
The forward has a decorated history in North American football, having won the 2022 MLS Golden Boot with Los Angeles FC and earning titles in the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup with Columbus.
Monterrey had trailed 1-0 at halftime after Rodrigo De Paul fired Inter Miami ahead in the 32nd minute with a powerful strike from 25 yards that curled inside the left post.
De Paul briefly removed his No. 7 jersey during his celebration to reveal Messi’s No. 10 underneath in a show of solidarity with his national team and club teammate, a gesture that earned him a yellow card.
Hugo Cuypers drew Monterrey level in the 47th minute, equalising shortly after the restart with a well-taken finish to shift the momentum of the match.
Cuypers had been an impressive performer before his July 23 transfer to Monterrey, named a 2026 MLS All-Star and scoring 13 goals in just 11 games for the Chicago Fire.
Monterrey also suffered a setback when defender Carlos Salcedo went off injured in the 15th minute and was replaced by Jorge Rodriguez.
Inter Miami, winners of the 2023 Leagues Cup and finalists last year, now sit at 1-1-0 with three points and face a difficult path to the knockout stage with one group match remaining.
Both clubs conclude the group phase on Wednesday, with Miami hosting León and Monterrey travelling to face Nashville.
