Inter Miami Dominates Pumas: Suárez Shines in Messi’s Absence
Leagues Cup Showdown: Miami Prevails Without Messi
In a dramatic and pivotal showdown today between Inter Miami and Pumas UNAM, held in Fort Lauderdale as part of the 2025 Leagues Cup group stage, Inter Miami emerged victorious with a 3–1 win, securing their qualification for the quarterfinals and making history as the first MLS team to advance from the group.
Despite playing without their talismanic captain Lionel Messi, sidelined due to a right‑leg muscle injury sustained earlier in the tournament, the Herons put on a resilient and inspired display, led by veteran striker Luis Suárez, who delivered a goal and two assists.
Match Snapshot – Inter Miami vs. Pumas UNAM
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Result | Inter Miami 3–1 Pumas UNAM |
| Competition | Leagues Cup 2025 – Final Group Stage Match |
| Date & Venue | August 7, 2025, Chase Stadium (Fort Lauderdale) |
| Miami Goals | Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez (penalty), Tadeo Allende |
| Missed Players | Messi (injury), Pumas' Keylor Navas (suspension) |
| Significance | Miami become first MLS team into knockout phase |
Headlines & Highlights
1. Suárez Takes Charge in Messi’s Absence
With Messi unable to play, Luis Suárez stepped up. He scored from the spot—a cheeky Panenka-style penalty—and set up both subsequent goals, assisting first Rodrigo De Paul and then Tadeo Allende, demonstrating leadership and technical flair.
2. De Paul Shines in New Colors
New signing Rodrigo De Paul, the 2022 World Cup winner, scored his first Inter Miami goal, showcasing his adaptability and hinting at a vital creative role in Messi’s absence.
3. Disciplinary Reprieve: Maxi Falcón Available
A key defensive reinforcement came in the form of Maximiliano Falcón, whose red card from the previous match against Necaxa was overturned on appeal—making him available for this must-win fixture.
4. Keylor Navas Suspended for Pumas
Pumas will be without their experienced goalkeeper and captain Keylor Navas, who received a suspension in an earlier match—a blow to the Mexican side’s stability.
5. Messi’s Status Still Up in the Air
Messi’s injury, deemed a “minor muscle” issue, remains a concern. The team’s medical staff continues monitoring his recovery, but he was definitively ruled out of today’s match.
Why This Match Mattered
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Do-or-die stakes: Inter Miami needed a win in regulation to secure qualification. A draw (even one chained to a shootout win) may not have sufficed due to the Leagues Cup’s tiebreak criteria, which prioritize 90‑minute victories.
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Test of squad depth: Without their megastar, Inter Miami’s depth and versatility were tested—and proven. Players like Suárez, De Paul, Redondo, and Falcón proved pivotal in stepping up.
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Momentum builder: By clinching qualification today, Miami sets themselves up with momentum and confidence for the knockout stages. Their unbeaten home record in Leagues Cup through four matches is another psychological boost.
Key Takeaways:
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Resilience over Reliance – Team rose to the occasion without Messi.
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Leadership from Suárez – Delivered when it mattered.
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De Paul’s emergence – A promising offensive spark.
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Discipline turnaround – Falcón’s red card overturned boosts defense.
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Strategic advantage – Messi’s injury managed carefully for knockout readiness.
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Navas suspension – Pumas are destabilized without their captain in goal.
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Qualification sealed – Inter Miami become the first U.S. side to reach the Leagues Cup knockouts.
Closing Thoughts
The Inter Miami vs. Pumas UNAM clash today was more than just another group-stage fixture—it was a statement. Without Messi, the spotlight shifted—and Luis Suárez seized it masterfully, proving his class remains undimmed. Meanwhile, Rodrigo De Paul announced himself as a creative force for Las Garzas. The team’s composure in pressure moments, effective adjustments by coach Javier Mascherano, and valuable support from returning players like Falcón paved the way for their historic qualification.
