Photo: Reuters
Inter Miami CF, one of Major League Soccer’s most talked-about teams, achieved a strong 3-1 victory over Mexican club Pumas UNAM in their final group-stage match of the 2025 Leagues Cup. The match took place on Thursday and saw Inter Miami secure the win even without their star player, Lionel Messi, who had to sit out due to a recent injury.
Despite Messi’s absence, Inter Miami came together as a solid team and performed impressively in front of their home fans. With this win, the team has now moved closer to the next round of the tournament and remains a strong contender for the Leagues Cup title.
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Messi Misses the Match Due to Injury
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer who helped lead Inter Miami to their first-ever Leagues Cup title in 2023, was forced to stay on the sidelines during this important game. Messi had picked up a small muscle injury in his upper right leg during Inter Miami's earlier match against Necaxa.
While it was not a major injury, the team management decided to rest Messi to avoid making the injury worse. With the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup coming soon, Miami did not want to take any chances. Messi is expected to recover within two weeks, which means he could return in time for the upcoming knockout matches.
Pumas Take an Early Lead
The match started with high energy from both teams. The Mexican club Pumas UNAM showed determination early on and surprised everyone when they scored the first goal in the 34th minute. Jorge Ruvalcaba, a talented young player for Pumas, found the net with a strong finish to give his team a 1-0 lead.
This early goal from Pumas shook the Miami crowd, as many were wondering whether the team could fight back without Messi on the field.
Rodrigo De Paul Brings Miami Back
Just before halftime, in the 45th minute, Inter Miami’s midfielder Rodrigo De Paul scored a fantastic goal to equalize the match. It was De Paul’s first goal for Inter Miami since he joined the team only last week.
His strike was perfectly timed and gave Miami the momentum they needed going into the second half. The score was 1-1 at halftime, and both teams knew the second half would be crucial.
De Paul’s goal was very important—not only because it tied the match but also because it showed that Inter Miami had depth in their squad and could perform even without their biggest star.
Luis Suarez Scores from the Penalty Spot
After the break, both teams returned to the field looking to take the lead. Around the 60th minute, Inter Miami earned a penalty after a foul inside the box. Veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez stepped up to take the spot kick.
Suarez, known for his calm and confident approach, made no mistake. He smoothly sent the ball into the back of the net, putting Inter Miami ahead 2-1. This goal was Suarez’s latest contribution to Miami’s attack and showed how experienced players can still make a big impact in important matches.
Allende Seals the Victory for Miami
The final blow to Pumas came in the 69th minute. Tadeo Allende, another rising star in the Miami lineup, scored a beautiful goal to increase the lead to 3-1. His strike confirmed Inter Miami’s dominance and made it almost impossible for Pumas to recover.
After that third goal, the energy and spirit of the Pumas team seemed to drop. Despite some late efforts, they couldn’t get back into the game. The Miami defense held strong and didn’t allow any more goals.
A Strong Team Performance
One of the most impressive parts of the game was how well Inter Miami played as a team. Even without Lionel Messi, who has been the central figure of the club since his arrival, the team showed unity, balance, and skill.
New signings like Rodrigo De Paul and experienced players like Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets brought their best to the field. Young players also stepped up and showed that they could handle the pressure in big games.
The team’s coach was pleased with the result and praised the players for their focus and teamwork.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Now that Inter Miami has finished the group stage with a strong win, they are looking ahead to the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup. Messi has about two weeks to recover before the knockout matches begin, and fans are hopeful he’ll be fit and ready to return.
In the meantime, Miami’s next Major League Soccer (MLS) game is scheduled for Sunday, where they will face their in-state rivals Orlando City. This match will be important as both teams are trying to climb higher in the league standings.
Messi’s Impact on Miami and MLS
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi has made a huge difference. He helped the club win the Leagues Cup last year and has already scored 18 goals in this MLS season—more than any other player.
Messi has brought global attention to MLS and has helped Inter Miami become one of the most popular soccer teams in North America. His leadership on and off the field has inspired other players and brought in new fans.
Although he couldn’t play in this match, his presence on the bench and support for his teammates were still important. Many young players in Miami look up to him and try to learn from his example.
A Confident Win Without Messi
Inter Miami’s 3-1 win against Pumas UNAM proved that they are more than just a one-man team. The players stepped up in Messi’s absence and showed great teamwork, skill, and confidence.
Goals from Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, and Tadeo Allende highlighted Miami’s attacking strength. The defense remained solid, and the team’s overall performance was encouraging for fans.
With Messi expected to return soon, and the knockout rounds approaching, Inter Miami are now seen as one of the top favorites to win the Leagues Cup once again.
This match will be remembered not only for the scoreline but also for how Inter Miami proved their strength even without their biggest star.
