In a thrilling match on Wednesday, Aug. 6, Inter Miami advanced to the knockout stage of the 2025 Leagues Cup with a 3-1 win over Pumas UNAM at Chase Stadium. Despite missing their star player, Lionel Messi, due to a minor muscle injury, the team delivered an impressive performance. Messi watched from an on-field suite, cheering on his teammates throughout the match.
The match started with Pumas UNAM taking the lead in the 34th minute, thanks to a goal from Jorge Ruvalcaba. However, Rodrigo De Paul quickly responded for Inter Miami, scoring in the 45th minute just before halftime to tie the game 1-1.
In the second half, Luis Suarez made his mark. Suarez scored a penalty in the 59th minute to put Inter Miami ahead 2-1. He also provided two assists, one for De Paul‘s goal and another for Tadeo Allende, who scored in the 69th minute to secure the win. Suarez’s celebration after the goal was heartwarming as he wore a cowboy hat with his daughter’s name, Delfina Suarez, proudly displayed. Delfina had just celebrated her 15th birthday earlier that week.
The match showcased the growing chemistry between Suarez and De Paul, both of whom have had a significant impact since joining Inter Miami. De Paul, who made his debut in the Leagues Cup on July 30, has already scored twice and assisted in key moments. His contributions have been vital to the team’s success in the tournament.
Inter Miami now moves forward in the Leagues Cup tournament, where they will compete in the quarterfinals scheduled for Aug. 19. The team has also performed well in MLS, accumulating eight points in the standings and maintaining strong momentum as the tournament progresses.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will return to MLS regular-season play with an away match against Orlando City on Aug. 10, followed by a home game against L.A. Galaxy on Aug. 16. The return of Messi to the lineup remains uncertain, but Inter Miami‘s performance without their star player proves the depth of their squad.
As the Leagues Cup progresses, fans are eager to see if Inter Miami can continue their strong run and challenge for the title. The win against Pumas UNAM demonstrated that the team can succeed even without their top player, relying on the talent and experience of players like Suarez and De Paul.
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