Suárez Takes Charge as Inter Miami Surges Without Messi
Fans hoping to catch Lionel Messi in action on August 7, 2025, got a twist—he stayed rooted to the bench, nursing a hamstring injury. But Inter Miami didn’t miss a beat. Instead, Luis Suárez stepped right up and delivered a clinic, pushing his squad past Pumas UNAM 3-1 and straight into the Leagues Cup knockout stages.
Things looked dicey at first. Jorge Ruvalcaba put Pumas ahead in the 34th minute, finishing an aggressive move that exposed Miami's backline. For a moment, it felt like the Mexican side might actually pull off the upset and knock out the defending Leagues Cup champs. Miami’s response? All hands on deck—and all eyes on Suárez.
Right before halftime, Suárez turned provider. He whipped in a ball that found Rodrigo De Paul, who slammed home a vital equalizer—his first for the club. That moment shifted the energy in the stadium. Suddenly, Miami had a spark.
Miami’s Depth Shines as Tournament Format Raises Stakes
The Leagues Cup’s new format throws a curveball with its points-focused group stage. Every match and every goal matters for ranking. Suárez knew it and turned up the heat after the break. Just before the hour mark, he coolly slotted home a penalty, putting Inter Miami ahead for the first time in the game and giving the hosts some much-needed breathing room.
Pumas fought to get back in, but ten minutes later Suárez dropped a perfect through ball that Tadeo Allende finished with textbook composure. By then, the Miami bench—Messi included—was on its feet. Allende’s goal at 69 minutes was the knockout punch. Pumas had no answer. Their early advantage was long gone, and so were their hopes in this cup.
- Inter Miami finished group play with eight points, earning them a top MLS seeding for the knockout rounds.
- Suárez contributed directly to all three goals—scoring one and assisting two.
- Rodrigo De Paul’s equalizer marked his arrival as a key piece in Miami’s attack.
- Pumas, once ahead, crashed out with five points and rued missed chances to seal qualification.
Last year’s Leagues Cup winners didn’t let the absence of their global superstar slow them down. Instead, they showed a gritty, collective edge. It’s not often Messi has to just watch from the sidelines, but Wednesday night proved Inter Miami’s got more in the tank than just one name. As the quarterfinals approach, this squad looks primed—and if Messi returns, opponents have more to worry about than just stopping Suárez.