Inter Miami Triumphs Over Pumas UNAM in Leagues Cup 2025 to Secure Quarterfinal Spot

Match Overview

On August 6, 2025, Inter Miami CF faced off against Pumas UNAM at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a pivotal Leagues Cup 2025 Phase One match. Both teams, entering the game with five points in their respective league tables, were vying for a spot in the quarterfinals. Despite the absence of star player Lionel Messi, Inter Miami delivered a commanding performance, securing a 3-1 victory over Pumas to advance to the knockout rounds.

Key Moments and Scoring

The match was a tale of two halves, with Inter Miami overcoming an early deficit to dominate proceedings. Pumas took the lead in the 34th minute when Jorge Ruvalcaba capitalized on a precise assist from Pedro Vite, slotting the ball past Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo. The goal put Inter Miami, already missing Messi due to a mild muscle strain, in a precarious position, as a loss could have jeopardized their Leagues Cup campaign.

However, Inter Miami responded just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Luis Suárez delivered a pinpoint cross to Rodrigo De Paul, who scored his first goal for the club, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal, a testament to the growing chemistry between the Argentine midfielder and his teammates, gave Inter Miami a crucial lifeline heading into the break.

The second half saw Inter Miami seize control. In the 56th minute, a handball by Pumas’ José Caicedo in the penalty area led to a penalty kick, which Suárez confidently converted, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 lead. The Uruguayan striker’s composure from the spot was a turning point, shifting momentum firmly in Miami’s favor.

Inter Miami sealed the victory in the 69th minute when Suárez turned provider again, setting up Tadeo Allende for a clinical finish to make it 3-1. The goal highlighted Inter Miami’s attacking potency, even without their talismanic captain. Despite late efforts from Pumas, including a shot from Alvaro Angulo that sailed over the bar and a blocked attempt by substitute Benjamin Cremaschi, the Liga MX side could not find a way back into the match. The game concluded with three minutes of stoppage time, and Inter Miami held firm to secure the win.

Team Lineups

Inter Miami CF (4-2-3-1): Rios Novo; Weigandt, Falcón, Luján, Alba; Bright, Busquets; Allende, De Paul, Segovia; Suárez.
Pumas UNAM (4-2-3-1): Paul; Bennevendo, Silva, Duarte, Angulo; Carrasquilla, Caicedo; López, Vite, Ruvalcaba; Martínez.

Inter Miami made strategic substitutions, including Federico Redondo for De Paul and Benjamin Cremaschi for Suárez, to maintain control and bolster their defense in the closing stages. Pumas also rotated players, with Pablo Monroy, Villaseñor, and Ángel Azuaje entering the fray, but these changes failed to spark a comeback.

Player Performances

Luis Suárez was the standout performer, contributing a goal and two assists, proving his leadership in Messi’s absence. Rodrigo De Paul, a recent signing from Atlético Madrid, continued to impress, scoring his first goal for Inter Miami and showcasing his creative influence in midfield. Tadeo Allende’s goal further underlined Miami’s depth, while goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo made crucial interventions to preserve the lead.

For Pumas, Adalberto Carrasquilla and Pedro Vite showed flashes of brilliance, with Vite providing the assist for Ruvalcaba’s goal. However, the absence of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, suspended after a red card in the previous match against Atlanta United, forced 17-year-old Rodrigo Parra into action, and he struggled against Miami’s relentless attack.

Tactical Insights

Inter Miami, under head coach Javier Mascherano, demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Despite losing Messi to injury early in their previous match against Necaxa, the team rallied, with De Paul and Suárez stepping up as key playmakers. Mascherano’s decision to push De Paul into a more advanced role alongside Sergio Busquets paid dividends, allowing Miami to exploit Pumas’ defensive vulnerabilities.

Pumas, coached by Efraín Juárez, started strongly, controlling possession in the first half and capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take the lead. However, their inability to maintain intensity in the second half, coupled with defensive errors, proved costly. The absence of Navas was a significant blow, as Parra lacked the experience to handle Miami’s attacking onslaught.

Impact on Leagues Cup Standings

The victory propelled Inter Miami to eight points in the MLS Leagues Cup table, securing their place in the quarterfinals, scheduled for August 19 or 20. Pumas, with five points, were eliminated, as they needed a win to overtake teams ahead of them in the Liga MX table. The top four teams from each league advance to the knockout rounds, and Inter Miami’s strong performance ensured their progression.

Notable Absences

Lionel Messi’s absence due to a mild muscle strain sustained against Necaxa was a significant talking point. Coach Mascherano confirmed pre-match that Messi would miss the game, with his return dependent on his response to treatment. Despite this setback, Inter Miami’s squad depth and tactical discipline shone through. Pumas, meanwhile, felt the loss of Keylor Navas, whose experience might have made a difference in goal.

Match Context and Stakes

This match marked the first competitive meeting between Inter Miami and Pumas, adding intrigue to the MLS-Liga MX rivalry. Both teams entered the game in strong form, with Inter Miami unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions and Pumas coming off a thrilling 3-2 win over Atlanta United. The high-scoring nature of both teams’ previous Leagues Cup matches suggested an open, attacking game, and the 3-1 scoreline reflected this trend.

Looking Ahead

Inter Miami now shifts focus to the MLS regular season, with a match against Orlando City on August 10, followed by a home game against defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy on August 16. Their Leagues Cup quarterfinal opponent will be determined after the conclusion of Phase One on August 7. Messi’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, but the team’s performance against Pumas suggests they can compete effectively without him.

Pumas, eliminated from the Leagues Cup, will return to Liga MX action, aiming to build on their early-season form. The loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in defense, as they prepare for the Apertura 2025 campaign.

Where to Watch

The match was streamed live on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass, with no traditional TV broadcast available in the US. Fans could also follow live updates on platforms like Sofascore, LiveScore, and Goal.com.

Conclusion

Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM showcased their resilience and attacking prowess, even without Lionel Messi. Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul emerged as key figures, guiding the Herons to a well-deserved quarterfinal berth. For Pumas, the defeat marked the end of their Leagues Cup journey, but their spirited performance against a strong MLS side bodes well for their domestic campaign. As the Leagues Cup progresses, Inter Miami remains a formidable contender, with their sights set on repeating their 2023 triumph.