Leagues Cup Thriller
Inter Miami secured a 3-1 victory against Pumas UNAM in their final Leagues Cup 2025 group-stage match, clinching a spot in the knockout rounds despite Lionel Messi’s absence due to injury. Goals from Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Tadeo Allende sealed the win at Chase Stadium. This Leagues Cup thriller highlights Miami’s resilience and depth.
Image: Sports Illustrated
Inter Miami Advances with Convincing Win
In a compelling display of resilience and tactical balance, Inter Miami overcame the absence of Lionel Messi to defeat Mexico’s Pumas UNAM 3-1 at Chase Stadium on August 6, 2025. The final Leagues Cup group-stage game was crucial for both teams as they vied for progression to the knockout stage. Inter Miami, led by coach Javier Mascherano, not only secured qualification but also emerged as the first MLS side to reach the quarterfinals this year.
Despite early concerns surrounding the impact of Messi’s hamstring injury, sustained against Necaxa, Inter Miami adapted quickly, thanks to experienced leadership from fellow Argentine stars.
Luis Suárez Takes Center Stage
Veteran striker Luis Suárez played a starring role in the victory. His performance, reminiscent of his prime, included a composed penalty in the 59th minute and two crucial assists. The first came just before halftime when he set up Rodrigo De Paul to level the score after Jorge Ruvalcaba had given Pumas a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute with a sharp finish past goalkeeper Drake Callender.
In the 69th minute, Suárez created another opportunity with a clever flick to Tadeo Allende, who finished confidently to make it 3-1. The link-up play between Suárez, De Paul, and Allende demonstrated Miami’s tactical fluidity and capacity to generate goals without their talisman Messi.
Coach Mascherano praised his side’s professionalism and maturity:
“The group responded with character. Suárez and De Paul were leaders on and off the pitch. We played a great game despite the difficulties and achieved our first goal — qualification.”
Pumas Falter Under Pressure
Pumas UNAM struggled to cope with Miami’s intensity, especially in the second half. Their challenge was compounded by the suspension of veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas, forcing 17-year-old Rodrigo Parra to step in between the posts. While Parra showed flashes of promise, he appeared overwhelmed during crucial phases of the game.
Midfielders Pedro Vite and Adalberto Carrasquilla managed to create promising transitions but lacked the final pass or finishing edge. Despite gaining an early lead and maintaining possession spells, Pumas failed to sustain pressure, allowing Miami to dictate the tempo as the game progressed.
After the match, coach Efraín Juárez expressed frustration not just with the result, but with the tournament structure:
“It’s difficult to compete when every game is played on the road. The format should be fairer — MLS teams need to play in Mexico too. This imbalance affects results.”
The defeat eliminated Pumas from the tournament, denying them a chance at redemption in the knockout rounds.
Group Stage Recap: Miami’s Journey So Far
Miami’s road to the knockout stage was anything but smooth. They began the group stage with a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Necaxa after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. That result earned them two points under the Leagues Cup scoring format. A narrow 2-1 win over Atlas followed, setting up a high-stakes clash with Pumas.
With eight points from three matches, Inter Miami now advances to the quarterfinals with momentum and confidence. The team’s depth, bolstered by young talents and seasoned internationals, continues to shine even in Messi’s absence.
Looking Ahead: Quarterfinal Aspirations
Inter Miami now prepares for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals scheduled for August 19 or 20. Messi’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, but optimism surrounds his potential return for the knockout phase. Meanwhile, the team is embracing its underdog spirit, with players like Suárez, De Paul, and Allende stepping up in critical moments.
Fans and analysts alike are drawing comparisons to the club’s remarkable 2023 Leagues Cup campaign, where Messi’s brilliance led them to the title. This time, however, the narrative centers on team cohesion and tactical adaptability — and the belief that Miami can win even without its biggest star.
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Why This Win Matters
Beyond the scoreboard, Inter Miami’s victory signals a growing maturity and versatility within the squad. Beating a top Liga MX side in high-pressure conditions without Messi underscores their transformation into a well-rounded unit capable of challenging for continental silverware. It also adds fuel to the ongoing MLS vs. Liga MX rivalry, which continues to grow in intensity and viewership.
