Inter Miami Secures Leagues Cup Quarterfinals Spot with 3-1 Comeback Win Over Pumas UNAM
In a thrilling Leagues Cup 2025 group stage encounter on August 6, Inter Miami proved their mettle with a commanding 3-1 victory over Mexican side Pumas UNAM. Despite the absence of superstar Lionel Messi, Miami powered through — thanks to a standout performance from Luis Suárez.
The evening at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale began with tension thick in the air. With a quarterfinals spot up for grabs, both teams came out strong. It was Pumas UNAM who struck first through Jorge Ruvalcaba in the 34th minute. The young winger capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the Mexican side ahead, silencing the home crowd.
But Inter Miami weren't rattled. Just before the halftime whistle, Rodrigo De Paul stepped up with a crucial equalizer in the 45th minute, injecting belief back into the Miami bench. The Argentine midfielder pounced on a loose ball and slotted it in coolly, leveling the score.
Suárez Steps Up in Messi’s Absence
With Messi ruled out due to a hamstring injury, all eyes were on Luis Suárez to deliver — and he didn’t disappoint. The Uruguayan forward converted a cool penalty in the 59th minute after a handball was spotted in the box. Then, just ten minutes later, he turned provider, slicing open Pumas’ defense with a brilliantly timed pass to Tadeo Allende, who made no mistake in burying the third.
It was vintage Suárez: intelligent, unselfish, and decisive.
Team Depth on Display
What this win showcased more than anything was Miami’s squad depth. If previous seasons painted the team as Messi-dependent, this performance flipped the script. De Paul’s midfield control, Allende’s energy, and Suárez’s leadership all highlighted a team entirely capable of contending at the highest level — even without their talisman.
What’s Next?
With this 3-1 victory, Inter Miami secured their place in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, where tougher challenges surely await. As fans wait for Messi’s return, the team has sent a strong message: they’re more than a one-man show.
Scorers Recap:
| Minute | Scorer | Team | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34’ | Jorge Ruvalcaba | Pumas UNAM | Early lead |
| 45’ | Rodrigo De Paul | Inter Miami | Key equalizer |
| 59’ | Luis Suárez | Inter Miami | Cool penalty |
| 69’ | Tadeo Allende | Inter Miami | Assisted by Suárez |
Final Thoughts
Matches like this are why football is called "the beautiful game." Inter Miami’s fightback against Pumas was more than just a win — it was a statement. Even without Messi, this is a team full of ambition and character, ready to write their own legacy in the 2025 Leagues Cup.