The Herons started the group stage on the right foot. Last Wednesday, Inter Miami earned a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis behind a brilliant performance from Messi, who scored two goals and delivered an assist in his return to the starting XI following the 2026 World Cup with the Argentina national team.

However, last Saturday Inter Miami fell 2-1 to Mexico’s Monterrey in an emotional match played without Messi. Early that morning, the Argentine captain received news that his father, Jorge Messi, passed away in Rosario following a months-long battle with an illness.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

The primary question surrounding this match centers on Messi’s presence with the MLS franchise. However, the Argentine star will not feature this evening but is going to start on the bench following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, creating a difficult situation.

Guillermo Hoyos is confirmed to line up as follows: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Lujan, Micael, Noah Allen; Telasco Segovia, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright; Lovend’s Delinois, and Daniel Pinter.

Leon confirmed lineup

Mexico’s Leon enter this match with a perfect record and know that a victory will secure qualification for the quarterfinals. In its opener, the squad earned a 1-0 win over Nashville SC before defeating Orlando City 2-1, and it now heads to Miami seeking to lock up a spot in the knockout round.

Javier Gandolfi has delivered excellent results and is confirmed to field the following side: Oscar Garcia; Sebastian Vegas, Juan Guevara, Jhohan Romana, Ivan Moreno, Sebastian Santos; Ivan Rodriguez, Daniel Arcila, Fernando Beltran, Rodrigo Echeverria; Jordi Cortizo.

The Herons enter the final match of the opening phase with three points, following a 4-2 victory over Atletico de San Luis and a 2-1 defeat to Monterrey. The scenario grew more complex following results from the previous matchday. Charlotte’s loss to Pachuca and Cincinnati’s defeat against Atlas left a door open for Inter Miami, but Real Salt Lake’s blowout victory over Juarez raised the stakes.

Leon, managed by Javier Gandolfi, arrives with a perfect record of six points after defeating Nashville SC and Orlando City. They are the surprise team of the tournament and, if they do not lose in 90 minutes, they will become the first Liga MX side to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. The match also marks the first official meeting between the two clubs.

What happens if Inter Miami win vs Leon?

If they beat Leon in regulation time, Inter Miami will reach six points and preserve a mathematical chance of qualification. However, a win does not guarantee a top-four finish among MLS teams.

Miami needs Austin FC, Chicago Fire, and FC Dallas to lose their respective matches. They must also hope other trailing teams do not exceed six points, while improving their current +1 goal differential. Chicago, Austin, and Dallas must lose in regulation, while LAFC must not win in regulation.

None of these teams can win by a larger margin than Miami manages (if Miami’s margin is +2). If several clubs finish tied at six points, the first tiebreaker is goal differential, followed by regulation wins, goals scored, goals conceded, and Fair Play points.

What happens if Inter Miami and Leon tie?

In the Leagues Cup, all matches level after 90 minutes are decided via a penalty shootout. Each team receives one point, with the shootout winner earning an additional point.

If Miami wins the penalty shootout, they will finish with five points; if they lose the shootout, they will end with four points. In either scenario, they will be eliminated because they cannot reach the clubs that already have six or more points.

What happens if Inter Miami lose vs Leon?

A loss leaves the squad with three points and immediately confirms its elimination. It would also mark its earliest exit from the tournament since Lionel Messi’s arrival in 2023.

How to watch Inter Miami vs Club Leon in the USA

Inter Miami vs. Club Leon will be available to stream live on Apple TV in the United States. There is no traditional U.S. TV channel listed for this specific matchup, so the platform is the primary way to watch the game.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Club Leon for free?

Eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Inter Miami vs. Club Leon through the seven-day free trial. The platform currently lists a 7-day free trial for new subscribers, followed by a $12.99 monthly subscription.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Inter Miami and Club Leon meet in the final Phase One match of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with both clubs entering the matchup on three points and still fighting for a place in the quarterfinals.

Inter Miami opened the tournament with a 4-2 victory over Atletico de San Luis before falling 2-1 to CF Monterrey, while Leon began with a 1-0 win over Nashville SC and then beat Orlando City 2-0. The latest Leagues Cup standings have Leon on six points, while Inter Miami sits on three.

For Miami, the match represents an opportunity to close Phase One strongly at Nu Stadium, where the club is hosting all three of its opening-round games. The Herons are competing in their fourth Leagues Cup campaign and are looking to build on their history in the competition after winning the 2023 edition.

Club Leon has the more favorable position heading into the final matchday, having collected two wins and six points from its opening two games. That puts the Liga MX club in a strong position to secure one of the four available quarterfinal spots from its league’s table. They are 4th in the ranking.

Inter Miami vs Club Leon: Predicted Lineups

Inter Miami (4-4-2): Rocco Rios Novo; Noah Allen, Micael, Facundo Mura, Ian Fray; Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Daniel Pinter, Schneider Delinois.

Club Leon (4-1-4-1): Jordan Garcia; Sebastian Vegas, Carlos Guevara, Jhohan Romana, Ivan Moreno; Jose Rodriguez; Jhon Arcila, Fernando Beltran, Rodrigo Echeverria, Jordi Cortizo; Ettson Ayon.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Club Leon match?

The Inter Miami vs. Club León match kicks off on Wednesday, August 12, at 7:30 PM ET. The game will be played at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida, with Inter Miami’s official schedule confirming the 7:30 p.m. ET start time.

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

That said, Guillermo Hoyos’ attacking options are once again depleted by significant absences. It is worth noting that Luis Suarez will also miss this crucial game as he is still serving a six-match suspension.

With that in mind, this is the confirmed starting XI that the manager will field as he looks to secure qualification for the next round: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Lujan, Micael, Noah Allen; Telasco Segovia, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright; Lovend’s Delinois, and Daniel Pinter.

How do Inter Miami and Club Leon enter this match?

Heading into Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup, Club Leon arrive in commanding position after securing consecutive victories in Phase One, most recently a 2-1 win over Orlando City SC, leaving them top of the standings with six points and a chance to lock up a Quarterfinal berth.

In contrast, Inter Miami enter in a high-stakes, must-win situation; after a 4-2 opening victory over Atletico de San Luis, the Herons suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to CF Monterrey courtesy of a 90th-minute winner.

Avoiding their first group-stage elimination

Inter Miami have never been eliminated in the group stage of the Leagues Cup. In the tournament’s inaugural expanded format in 2023, Lionel Messi and the Herons swept through the group stage and went on to win the entire competition.

They successfully sustained that streak through the 2024 and 2025 editions, navigating the opening phase to reach the knockout rounds and preserving a flawless record of progression past the group stage in every tournament appearance.

The Florida team needs a combination of results to stay alive in the tournament featuring Liga MX and MLS clubs. A specific sequence of outcomes could eliminate Inter Miami from the Leagues Cup on Tuesday, a day before their game against Leon.

Jose Armando Rodriguez, who covers the team for Deporte Total, notes that if Charlotte, Cincinnati, and Columbus tie—even if they lose on penalties—and Real Salt Lake defeat Juarez, Messi’s team will be unable to secure a top-four finish in Group B, which is necessary to make the knockout phase.

How Inter Miami started in the Leagues Cup

The Florida club began its participation with a convincing 4-2 victory over Atletico de San Luis, but fell 1-2 to Monterrey on the second matchday. That defeat severely complicated its aspirations, as qualification no longer depends solely on what Guillermo Hoyos’ team does.

The 2026 Leagues Cup competition system establishes that the 18 Liga MX clubs compete in Group A, while the 18 MLS teams compete in Group B. Each side plays three matches against opponents from the opposing league.

A victory awards three points, while a draw gives one point to each team and an additional point to the penalty shootout winner. At the end of this phase, the top four teams from each league advance to the quarterfinals.

That is where the problem lies for Inter Miami. After two matchdays, the Herons have three points and need to win their final match to reach six. But even with a victory against Leon, Leo Messi’s team depend on favorable results in other matches to claim one of the four available spots for MLS clubs.

What is complicating Inter Miami’s path

The Group B landscape highlights the difficulty. Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire, Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas have six points, meaning Inter Miami need these teams to drop points on the final matchday.

Additionally, LAFC has five points, and Real Salt Lake has four, while Nashville SC, Portland Timbers, NYCFC, Philadelphia Union, Orlando City, Seattle Sounders, and San Diego FC also have three points.

[Watch Club America vs Club Leon online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

The Liga MX regular season is heading toward a dramatic finish as teams battle for quarterfinal and play-in spots, and Club America remains firmly in the mix. Sitting fourth with 31 points, Las Aguilas are targeting back-to-back wins to climb into first place and finish the campaign strong.

Their next challenge comes against Club Leon, a side still clinging to postseason hopes but in desperate need of points. Leon will be eager to make a statement against one of Mexico’s powerhouses, adding even more intensity to an already high-stakes matchup.

When will the Club America vs Club Leon match be played?

Club America play against Club Leon in the Matchday 16 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 this Saturday, November 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:10 PM (ET).

Club America vs Club Leon: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:10 PM
CT: 10:10 PM
MT: 9:10 PM
PT: 8:10 PM

How to watch Club America vs Club Leon in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Club America and Club Leon will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: CBS Sports Golazo Network, Univision, TUDN, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video and ViX.

[Watch Club Leon vs Monterrey online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

Club Leon will look to spark a turnaround when they host Monterrey in a Liga MX clash loaded with urgency. After a disappointing Leagues Cup campaign that yielded just one point from three matches, Leon’s struggles have carried into league play with only three points from their first three games.

James Rodriguez and his teammates are eyeing a much-needed victory to shift momentum, but Monterrey, who also stumbled in the Leagues Cup, enter with six points in Liga MX and the chance to strengthen their position near the top of the table.

When will the Club Leon vs Monterrey match be played?

Club Leon play against Monterrey in the Matchday 4 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 this Monday, August 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM (ET).

Club Leon vs Monterrey: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Club Leon vs Monterrey in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Club Leon and Monterrey will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: TUDN.

[Watch Columbus Crew vs Club Leon live in the USA on Fubo]

After a shaky start that saw them settle for a 1-1 draw with Toluca and drop the extra point in a penalty shootout, Columbus Crew responded with authority in Matchday 2, cruising to a 3-1 win over Puebla to keep their Leagues Cup hopes alive.

Now, with qualification still within reach, the Crew face Club Leon in a must-win finale. Leon have already been eliminated, and James Rodriguez’s squad will try to salvage some pride as they wrap up a disappointing tournament run.

When will the Columbus Crew vs Club Leon match be played?

Columbus Crew play against Club Leon this Tuesday, August 5, in a Matchday 3 showdown of the 2025 Leagues Cup league stage, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET).

Columbus Crew vs Club Leon: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Columbus Crew vs Club Leon in the USA

Tune in to Fubo to catch the 2025 Leagues Cup showdown between Columbus Crew and Club Leon in the USA. Other options: FS1, UniMás, TUDN, MLS Season Pass, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue.

[Watch New York City FC vs Club Leon live in the USA on Apple TV]

Two struggling sides looking to stay alive in the Leagues Cup meet as Club Leon and New York City FC clash with elimination on the line. Leon managed just a single point after a draw against Montreal, only to fall 7-6 in a penalty shootout.

NYCFC had an even rougher start, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Puebla that puts them on the brink. With both clubs desperate for a win to avoid an early exit, this matchup has all the urgency of a knockout game.

When will the New York City FC vs Club Leon match be played?

New York City FC play against Club Leon this Friday, August 1, in a Matchday 2 showdown of the 2025 Leagues Cup league stage, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM (ET).

New York City FC vs Club Leon: Time by State in the USA

ET: 6:00 PM
CT: 5:00 PM
MT: 4:00 PM
PT: 3:00 PM

How to watch New York City FC vs Club Leon in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2025 Leagues Cup showdown between New York City FC and Club Leon in the USA.

[Watch CF Montreal vs Club Leon live in the USA on Apple TV]

The League Cup has kicked off, bringing together top teams from CONCACAF’s premier leagues for a fiercely competitive tournament where every match counts. Each squad will play three group-stage games to prove they belong in the knockout rounds.

Club Leon enter the competition struggling near the bottom of Liga MX with just one win and two losses, while CF Montreal find itself last in the MLS Eastern Conference. Despite their league struggles, both teams will aim to make a strong push in this competition.

When will the CF Montreal vs Club Leon match be played?

CF Montreal will face Club Leon this Tuesday, July 29, in a 2025 Leagues Cup, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET).

CF Montreal vs Club Leon: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch CF Montreal vs Club Leon in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2025 Leagues Cup showdown between CF Montreal and Club Leon, live in the USA.

[Watch Club Leon vs Chivas online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

Chivas and Leon square off in a clash between two teams still searching for their first points of the tournament. For Chivas, this marks their season debut after sitting out Matchday 1, and they’ll aim to make a strong opening statement.

Leon, led by James Rodriguez, dropped their opener 1-0 to Atletico San Luis and now look to bounce back against a Guadalajara side eager to start their campaign with a victory.

When will the Club Leon vs Chivas match be played?

Club Leon play against Chivas in the Matchday 2 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 this Wednesday, July 16. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM (ET).

Club Leon vs Chivas: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Club Leon vs Chivas in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Club Leon and Chivas will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: Univision, TUDN.