This article was originally published on www.si.com as Inter Miami 2–2 Necaxa: Takeaways as De Paul Steps Up for Missing Messi. Inter Miami picked up two of a possible three points on Saturday night with a shootout win after a 2–2 draw through 90 minutes against Liga MX’s Necaxa in both teams’ second match of the 2025 Leagues Cup.

Rodrigo De Paul has enjoyed years of playing alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina’s national team, but the star midfielder said that for a long time, he’s dreamed of playing on the same club with his good friend.

Lionel Messi has been reunited with his bodyguard on the pitch for Inter Miami -- no, not that one -- as the Herons added Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul to their squad this summer in a surprise move.