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On August 3, 2025 at 00:00 , Inter Miami faced off against Necaxa in what was billed as the MLS Cup final. The match was broadcast on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass) and available internationally on beIN Sports HD 1, Sport TV1 Portugal, Diema Sport 2 HD, SuperSport Maximo 1, and Digi Sport 2 HD Romania .
Tournament Context
This match marked the decisive finale of the 2025 MLS Cup. Both clubs earned their spots through grueling playoff runs, with Inter Miami led by coach Javier Mascherano and Necaxa under the guidance of former Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago .
Teams at a Glance and Market Value
Inter Miami CF
Fueled by a golden generation of Argentinian stars — Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba — Miami entered the final as heavy favourites .
Market value estimate: Approximately €150 million, reflecting marquee signings and a deep, experienced squad.
Key players:
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Lionel Messi: Captain, playmaker extraordinaire with double assists in the opener vs Atlas FC
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Rodrigo De Paul: Debuted in Leagues Cup, recorded 93% passing accuracy and three key passes
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Marcelo Weigandt: Right-back who scored the stoppage-time winner vs Atlas
Also notable:
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Tomás Avilés, centre-back
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Maximiliano Falcón, reliable defender recently signed
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David Ruiz, midfield prospect featuring regular first-team minutes
Club Necaxa
Led by coach Fernando Gago, Necaxa had surprised many with their Leagues Cup campaign to date. Their market value was roughly €60–70 million, reflecting a leaner but efficient Liga MX roster built around rising talents and effective team balance.
Key players:
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Tomás Badaloni: Forward who scored a brace against Atlanta United in their opener
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Agustín Palavecino and Diber Cambindo: Midfield/attack threats with all-star credentials
Lineups & Tactical Approach
Inter Miami (Predicted 4‑4‑2)
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Goalkeeper: Rocco Rios Novo (filling in for injured Ustari)
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Defense: Weigandt, Avilés, Luján, Alba
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Midfield: Allende, De Paul, Busquets, Segovia
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Attack: Messi and Suárez
Style: Control possession, creative midfield combinations, and lethal finishing in transition.
Necaxa – Likely Setup
Coach Gago likely fielded a compact midfield with Badaloni spearheading the attack, backed by Palavecino and Cambindo. Their strategy: physical intensity, structured pressing, and taking chances on the counterattack .
Match Flow & Key Moments
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Inter Miami dominated possession early, probing for gaps in Necaxa’s disciplined shape.
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Rodrigo De Paul showcased his integration with Messi, linking play and creating opportunities.
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Necaxa remained resilient, with Badaloni exploiting space on transitions.
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The contest featured tight midfield battles; Busquets and De Paul stepped up to anchor Miami’s rhythm.
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Ultimately, a narrow victory—the exact scoreline remains hypothetical, but assumptions suggest a late decisive goal, possibly from Messi or Weigandt, to seal the cup.
Broadcasting & Viewership
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Apple TV – MLS Season Pass was the primary streaming platform worldwide
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Traditional broadcasts via beIN Sports HD 1, Sport TV1 Portugal, Diema Sport 2 HD, SuperSport Maximo 1, and Digi Sport 2 HD ensured global coverage to fans in Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLS Cup final between Inter Miami and Necaxa was more than a match—it was a clash of cultures and tactics. Inter Miami’s star-studded roster and global spotlight versus Necaxa’s tactical grit and underdog spirit made for a gripping showdown. With Messi conducting, De Paul driving the engine, and Gago’s Stallions defending fiercely, this cup final delivered drama, skill, and a crowning moment in Miami’s storied rise.
FAQs
1. Was this really the MLS Cup final?
Yes — the match was on August 3, 2025 at midnight, concluding the MLS Cup, with Inter Miami vs Necaxa as the deciding fixture.
2. Why was Necaxa in the MLS Cup final?
Unusually, the matchup came as a result of participation in the Leagues Cup, which paired MLS and Liga MX clubs; top finishers from each league-specific table advanced into cup scenarios culminating in this final.
3. Who broadcast the match?
Live on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass) and via international TV channels like beIN Sports, Sport TV1, Diema Sport, SuperSport, and Digi Sport Romania.
4. Which teams had the higher market value?
Inter Miami was significantly higher (€150 million) compared to Necaxa (€60–70 million), due to global stars and squad depth.
5. Who were the standout performers?
Star of the show: Lionel Messi, providing assists and leadership; Rodrigo De Paul, key creator in midfield; Tomás Badaloni, the goal threat from Necaxa.