Inter Miami secured a spot in the 2025 Leagues Cup Quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM, despite playing without Lionel Messi. The match, held on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium, saw Luis Suárez stepping up in Messi's absence, scoring a goal and providing two assists.
Messi was sidelined due to a minor muscle injury in his right leg, sustained during the match against Necaxa. Although the club has described the injury as minor, coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi would not feature in the game against Pumas UNAM. Messi was present at the stadium, watching the game from a suite.
Pumas UNAM took the lead in the 34th minute with a goal from U.S.-born attacker Jorge Ruvalcaba. However, Inter Miami responded strongly, with Rodrigo De Paul scoring his first goal for the club in the 45th minute, assisted by Suárez. Suárez then put Inter Miami ahead with a penalty in the 59th minute, following a handball by Pumas defender José Caicedo. Tadeo Allende sealed the victory in the 69th minute, finishing off another assist from Suárez.
Inter Miami's win ensured their advancement to the knockout stages of the Leagues Cup. They finished the group stage with a 2-1-0 record and eight points. Inter Miami will host a yet-to-be-determined Mexican opponent in the quarterfinals on August 19 or 20.
The team demonstrated determination and experience despite Messi's absence. With the addition of Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami's squad appeared sharp and focused on securing a spot in the final eight. All eyes are now on Messi's potential return for the knockout rounds, as fans hope for a repeat of their 2023 Leagues Cup title win. Inter Miami won the inaugural edition of the Leagues Cup in 2023. In 2024, they reached the Round of 16 after progressing from the Group Stage and the Round of 32.
The Leagues Cup 2025 features a reworked format compared to previous years. The competition includes all MLS and LIGA MX clubs. Phase One consists of three consecutive match dates per club, played between July 29 and August 7. The format has been significantly altered for the 2025 season, with hopes to give Liga MX a boost in their attempts to perform in a competition that takes place on U.S. soil.
Luis Suarez's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he not only scored a crucial goal but also provided two assists. His contributions ensured that Inter Miami did not falter without their star player. Rodrigo De Paul, who recently joined Inter Miami, has quickly become an integral part of the team, showcasing his playmaking abilities with two assists in the previous game against Necaxa and scoring his first goal against Pumas.
