New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel defends against the Chicago Fire during the first half at Soldier Field. The Chicago Fire won the game, 1-0.
Inter Miami may have been without Lionel Messi on the field, but the team didn’t miss a beat. Thanks to stellar performances from Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, the club secured a 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM in the Leagues Cup 2025, booking their spot in the quarterfinals.
No Messi, No Problem
Messi sat out the match due to a minor upper-leg muscle strain. He watched from an on-field suite, cheering for his teammates. His absence could’ve been a setback—but Inter Miami’s star-studded roster stepped up when it mattered most.
De Paul Opens His Goal Account
Rodrigo De Paul, a summer signing from Atletico Madrid, continues to make an instant impact. The Argentine midfielder, known for his World Cup-winning partnership with Messi, scored his first goal for the club just before halftime. His strike in the 45th minute brought Miami level after Pumas had taken the lead in the 34th through Jorge Ruvalcaba.
De Paul had already contributed two assists in Miami’s previous Leagues Cup match. On Wednesday, he showed his attacking flair again, proving why he was a key summer acquisition.
Suarez Delivers in Style
Luis Suarez turned back the clock with a masterclass performance. The Uruguayan striker scored a penalty in the 59th minute to give Inter Miami the lead. He also provided two assists—first for De Paul and later for Tadeo Allende’s 69th-minute goal, which sealed the win.
Earlier in the second half, Suarez appeared to have scored, celebrating with his daughter’s cowboy hat to mark her 15th birthday. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Still, Suarez’s official goal—his first since June 23 against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup—was a timely reminder of his quality.
Allende Adds the Final Touch
Tadeo Allende rounded off a dominant second-half display with a clean finish in the 69th minute. Suarez’s assist set him up perfectly, and Allende made no mistake. The goal ensured a comfortable lead, leaving little doubt about Inter Miami’s place in the knockout round.
Coach Mascherano Praises Team Effort
Head coach Javier Mascherano praised his players but stressed the team must stay focused.
“We haven’t achieved anything yet,” said Mascherano. “When you have great players, you just need to help them feel comfortable. Then, let them do their thing.”
The coach knows the road ahead won’t be easy—especially with expectations high after winning the Leagues Cup in 2023.
Quarterfinals in Sight
With this win, Inter Miami sits at the top of the MLS side of the Leagues Cup standings with eight points. The top four teams from MLS and Liga MX will advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for August 19 and 20.
The victory ensures Inter Miami's progression, regardless of the outcomes in other group-stage matches.
Messi’s Return Still Unclear
While Messi’s support from the sidelines was evident, there’s no official update on when he’ll return to action. His presence will be vital in the later stages of the tournament, but the team has shown it can handle the pressure without him.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami returns to MLS action on August 10 with an away match against Orlando City. They’ll then host MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy on August 16, before their Leagues Cup quarterfinal clash.
For now, fans can celebrate a complete team performance—and the promise of more to come.
