Inter Miami CF secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Leagues Cup with a 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium, despite star captain Lionel Messi missing the match through injury.
After Pumas took an early lead, goals from Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Tadeo Allende helped Miami overturn the deficit and clinch the win. Messi, sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Necaxa on 2 August, celebrated each goal from the bench.
Inter Miami finished the group stage with eight points, having defeated both Atlas and Pumas in regular time, and drew against Necaxa securing an extra point by winning the penalty shootout 5-4.
The restructured Leagues Cup awards points during the group phase to determine rankings in league-specific tables. The top four teams from Liga MX and MLS qualify for the knockout stage.
Facing the must-win situation without Messi, Suarez stepped up brilliantly, scoring a penalty and providing a stunning assist for Allende’s goal. Rodrigo De Paul also contributed a key strike to cement the victory.
Pumas were knocked out following the defeat.
Inter Miami previously won the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023 but exited in the round of 16 in 2024 after losing to Columbus Crew.