Inter Miami CF revealed their fighting spirit in the 2025 Leagues Cup by securing a 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM in their final group-stage match at Chase Stadium, clinching a coveted spot in the knockout rounds.
Despite being without captain Lionel Messi due to a hamstring injury, the Florida-based side showed resilience and attacking prowess to close out the group stage on a high.
Pumas struck first to gain an early lead, momentarily unsettling Javier Mascherano’s men. But Inter Miami, undeterred by the setback and Messi’s absence, roared back with goals from veterans Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, and a fine strike from Tadeo Allende.
Messi, sidelined after picking up a hamstring injury in the previous match against Necaxa on August 2, watched from the bench. Though unable to participate, the Argentine superstar cheered passionately from the sidelines, celebrating each of his team’s goals with visible emotion.
Suárez led by example, first converting from the penalty spot to level the score and then turning provider with a sublime assist for Allende, whose finish gave Miami a comfortable two-goal cushion. Rodrigo De Paul also got on the scoresheet, continuing his strong run of form in the tournament. The trio stepped up when it mattered most, easing the pressure of Messi’s absence and powering Miami into the next stage.
The win concluded the group stage campaign for Inter Miami with a total of eight points. The club secured full points in their matches against Atlas and Pumas with wins in regulation time. Against Necaxa, Miami played out a draw but earned an extra point by winning the penalty shootout 5-4, an important boost that helped shape their position in the group standings.
Under the new Leagues Cup format, group stage matches offer points toward a ranking system across Liga MX and MLS. The top four teams from each league advance to the knockout rounds. Inter Miami’s consistent performances, coupled with strategic squad rotation in Messi’s absence, ensured they were among the top MLS sides to progress.
Pumas, on the other hand, saw their Leagues Cup journey come to an end. The defeat meant elimination for the Liga MX side, who couldn’t capitalize on their early advantage.
Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup journey has been a rollercoaster over the years. After lifting the inaugural title in 2023, they suffered an early exit in the round of 16 in 2024 at the hands of Columbus Crew. The team will now look to better that record and push deeper into the tournament this time around.
With Messi’s fitness still uncertain, all eyes will be on how long the Argentine maestro remains on the sidelines. But for now, Inter Miami have proven they can rise to the occasion, even without their talisman.