Even without their talismanic captain on the pitch, Inter Miami CF showcased their firepower with a commanding 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM on Wednesday night, securing their place in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Lionel Messi, ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained against Necaxa on August 2, was forced to watch from the sidelines. But his absence didn’t stall Miami’s momentum even as questions continue to swirl around why his sudden unavailability is drawing increasing scrutiny at Inter Miami.
Pumas struck first, igniting early tension. Yet it didn’t take long for Miami to respond — and respond with intent.
Star Performers Step Up in Messi’s Absence
- Luis Suárez converted from the penalty spot to level the game.
- Rodrigo De Paul fired in a thunderous effort to give Miami the lead.
- Tadeo Allende, assisted by Suárez, sealed the win with the third goal.
Each strike was met with visible celebration from Messi on the bench — his energy evident despite the injury setback.
“Captain Lionel Messi celebrated each goal from the sidelines as he was forced to sit the game out after suffering a hamstring injury against Necaxa on Aug. 2.”
With Messi sidelined, all eyes were on whether Inter Miami could handle the pressure. They did, and then some. The trio of Suárez, De Paul, and Allende answered the call, pushing Miami confidently into the knockout phase.
⚽️ Luchito Suárez le da la vuelta al marcador desde el punto penal and now Inter is up on the scoreboard en @Chase_Stadium
@InterMiamiCF 2⃣-1⃣ @PumasMX
#LeaguesCup2025 https://t.co/k9oaV4a1g2 pic.twitter.com/bhfz9Dbdy3
— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 7, 2025
Group Stage Recap
Inter Miami ended the group stage with eight points, the result of:
- Wins over Atlas and Pumas (in regulation),
- A draw against Necaxa followed by a 5-4 shootout win for an extra point.
The 2025 edition of the Leagues Cup introduced a revamped format, where clubs accumulate points in group play to determine league-specific rankings. The top four sides from both MLS and Liga MX advance to the knockout rounds.
This victory ensured Inter Miami’s place among the elite, keeping their Leagues Cup ambitions firmly alive.
Mascherano’s Strategy Pays Off
Head coach Javier Mascherano knew the stakes. A win was essential. With Messi out, the squad relied on its experienced names — particularly Suárez, who not only scored but delivered a sublime assist for the final goal.
“Suárez turned on the class with a goal from the penalty spot and a brilliant assist to set up Allende’s goal.” For Pumas, the defeat spelled the end of their Leagues Cup journey.
Watch: Lionel Messi’s reaction after Suárez’s cheeky penalty — priceless!
The GOAT loving every moment from the sidelines! pic.twitter.com/Esn5OtqREM
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) August 7, 2025
Miami now heads into the knockout rounds with growing confidence and plenty of momentum — even as they await updates on Messi’s recovery.
Having lifted the trophy in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2023 and suffering a Round of 16 exit in 2024, Inter Miami will be eager to reclaim the title.
And if Wednesday night’s performance was any indication, they’re more than capable, with or without their captain.
