Inter Miami CF secured a Leagues Cup quarterfinals berth with a commanding 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM in their final group stage match at Chase Stadium on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Despite the absence of star Lionel Messi due to a minor thigh injury, Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring with his first goal for the Herons in the 45th minute, followed by Luis Suárez’s penalty in the 55th minute and an assist for Tadeo Allende’s goal in the 65th minute.
The win, powered by Suárez’s goal and two assists, propelled Inter Miami to the knockout rounds, solidifying their status as 2023 Leagues Cup champions.
Leagues Cup Quarterfinals Berth
Inter Miami clinched its Leagues Cup quarterfinals berth with a decisive 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM, ensuring advancement to the knockout rounds, set for August 19 or 20, 2025.
The Herons, sitting third in the MLS Leagues Cup table with five points entering the match, needed a regulation win to confirm their spot, which they achieved with a dominant performance despite missing Messi.
The victory, watched by a vibrant Chase Stadium crowd, showcased Miami’s resilience under coach Javier Mascherano, who praised the team’s ability to overcome challenges, including a 17-minute red card to Maxi Falcón in their prior 2-2 draw against Necaxa.
Rodrigo De Paul’s First Inter Miami Goal
Rodrigo De Paul’s first goal for Inter Miami came in the 44th minute, levelling the score at 1-1 after Pumas took an early lead.
The Argentine midfielder, recently joined from Atlético Madrid, rifled a shot from outside the box, marking a pivotal moment in his integration into the squad.
De Paul’s performance, including two assists in the Necaxa match, has energised fans, with fans celebrating his impact: “GOOOOLLLLL DE RODRIGOOOO DE PAULLL .” His synergy with Sergio Busquets and Tadeo Allende in midfield proved crucial, as Miami controlled 38.3% of possession against Pumas’ 61.7%, according to Sofascore stats.
Luis Suárez Goals and Assists
Luis Suárez’s goal and assists were central to Inter Miami’s victory, with the veteran striker converting a penalty in the 55th minute after a handball by Pumas’ José Caicedo, making it 2-1.
Suárez then delivered a precise through ball to Tadeo Allende for the 3-1 goal in the 65th minute, showcasing his playmaking prowess.
Despite a recent scoring slump, Suárez’s 14 assists and clutch performance, including a penalty save by Pumas’ Miguel Paul, earned praise from Mascherano, who noted his leadership without Messi.
Suárez’s contributions, with three shots on target, underscored his value, as highlighted by ESPN’s match summary.
Pumas UNAM Defensive Struggles
Pumas UNAM’s defensive struggles were evident, exacerbated by the absence of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, red-carded in their 3-2 win over Atlanta United.
Seventeen-year-old Rodrigo Parra, starting in Navas’s place, faced pressure from Miami’s attack, conceding three goals despite saves on shots from Suárez and Gonzalo Luján.
Pumas’ Adalberto Carrasquilla, tied for second in Leagues Cup scoring with three goals, failed to convert key chances, with a header saved in the 64th minute.
Coach Efraín Juárez lamented defensive transitions, noting Pumas’ 1-1-0 record and fifth-place LIGA MX standing left them vulnerable to elimination.
Inter Miami Without Messi
Inter Miami without Messi proved their depth, overcoming the Argentine’s absence after he limped off 11 minutes into the Necaxa match due to a thigh injury.
Mascherano, optimistic about Messi’s recovery, deployed Federico Redondo to replace him, pushing De Paul into an advanced role behind Suárez.
The Herons’ 4-2-3-1 formation, with Busquets anchoring midfield and Jordi Alba assisting from left-back, maintained control despite Pumas’ possession dominance.
Miami’s ability to win without Messi, who missed prior MLS games but led with 24 goals this season, signals a maturing squad, as noted by SportsLine’s Martin Green.
The victory, Inter Miami’s first competitive win over Pumas, positions them as favourites entering the quarterfinals, with FanDuel offering $150 in bonus bets for new users betting on the match.
Pumas, despite a valiant effort, face elimination, with their defensive lapses and Parra’s inexperience proving costly.
With Chase Stadium’s fan zone buzzing and tickets selling fast, Miami’s Leagues Cup journey continues to captivate, setting the stage for a thrilling knockout phase.
