Inter Miami triumphed 3-1 over Pumas UNAM at Chase Stadium on August 6, securing a spot in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals. Despite Lionel Messi being sidelined due to a minor muscle injury, his old friends stepped up to ensure victory.
Rodrigo De Paul scored his first goal for Inter Miami, Luis Suarez scored a penalty, and Tadeo Allende added another goal. Messi, sidelined with an upper right leg injury, watched the match from an on-field suite, standing to cheer his teammates throughout the match. The victory allowed Inter Miami to secure eight points in the MLS side of the Leagues Cup standings, ensuring they will advance to the knockout stage when the first phase of the tournament concludes on August 7.
Mascherano’s Reflections and Team’s Solid Performance
“We achieved this, but we haven’t also achieved anything,” said Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano. “When we have great players, we don’t need to do much. We just need to reorganize to see how they can feel more comfortable. Then, you just have to let them play.”
De Paul scored in the 45th minute to tie the match just before halftime. Pumas’ Jorge Ruvalcaba had scored the opener in the 34th minute. Suarez converted a penalty in the 59th minute to give Inter Miami the lead. He also assisted on both De Paul’s and Allende’s goals. Earlier in the match, Suarez had a goal ruled offside in the 49th minute.
This performance marked Suarez’s first goal since his strike in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Brazilian side Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup on June 23.
Suarez’s Heartfelt Celebration and Inter Miami’s Next Steps
Suarez celebrated his goal with a heartfelt gesture. He wore a cowboy hat that bore his daughter’s name, Delfina, and sent kisses to her on the sidelines. Delfina was celebrating her 15th birthday this week.
With eight points in the MLS side of the Leagues Cup standings, Inter Miami secured their place in the knockout stage. The knockout stage will take place on August 19 and 20, where the top four clubs from MLS and Liga MX will compete.
Coach Mascherano remains cautious despite the win, acknowledging the team’s success but emphasizing that they have not yet achieved their ultimate goal. “We achieved this, but we haven’t also achieved anything,” he added.
Inter Miami will return to MLS regular-season play on the road against Orlando City on August 10. Afterward, they will host the defending MLS Cup champions, L.A. Galaxy, on August 16 before their next Leagues Cup match. It remains unclear when Messi could return to the lineup, and fans will eagerly await an update on his recovery.
Stay tuned for all the latest Sports News, follow SportsNewsTime on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram