On Day 2 of the Leagues Cup 2025, MLS teams achieved convincing results against Liga MX clubs, thanks to their greater offensive effectiveness and tactical clarity.
Inter Miami, Minnesota United and Portland Timbers shined, while Necaxa was the only Mexican club with a win, defeating Atlanta United 3-1.
Outstanding goals and key performances
Inter Miami 2-1 Atlas: Lionel Messi was the star of the match, assisting both goals, including the decisive goal at 90+6′ by Marcelo Weigandt on a play reviewed by VAR.
This triumph was evidence of his emotional and competitive leadership.
Minnesota United 4-1 Querétaro: A convincing victory with goals from Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Kelvin Yeboah, Anthony Markanich and Tani Oluwaseyi, showing the Loons’ total dominance on the field.
Necaxa was the only Mexican club to secure a victory
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Portland Timbers 4-0 Atlético de San Luis: David Da Costa opened the scoring in the first minute of play, followed by Kevin Kelsy, Ariel Lassiter and Felipe Mora, a clean sweep.
Necaxa 3-1 Atlanta United: Los Rayos came from behind with two goals by Tomás Badaloni, after an own goal by Brad Guzan and an equalizer by Alexey Miranchuk.
Pumas and América go to penalties
Buzzy
Mexican clubs such as Pumas UNAM and América failed to score victories on Day 2 of the Leagues Cup.
Pumas tied Orlando City 1-1 and won the penalty shootout 4-3.
América also drew 2-2 against Real Salt Lake, and lost 3-1 from eleven penalty kicks, thanks to saves by goalkeeper Rafael Cabral.
Tournament format and expectations
The 2025 edition of the Leagues Cup features an innovative format with 36 teams (18 from MLS and 18 from Liga MX).
All Phase One matches are interleague.
Each club faces three teams from the opposing league and the tables qualify by league to decide the quarterfinals, ensuring duels between MLS and Liga MX from that round.
This format guarantees direct confrontations and maximizes rivalry.
The group stage will run until August 7, while the Quarterfinals are scheduled for August 19-20, the Semifinals for August 26-27 and the Final on August 31.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
