Inter Miami Defeats Pumas 3-1 in Leagues Cup – Suárez, De Paul Shine

📰 Inter Miami Downs Pumas 3‑1 to Clinch Knockout Spot

FORT LAUDERDALE, August 6, 2025 — Under the spotlight of absence for Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF delivered a commanding 3‑1 victory over Mexico's Pumas UNAM in their final group match of the Leagues Cup Phase One and secured a place in the quarterfinals intermiamicf+1U.S. News.

Despite conceding first to Jorge Ruvalcaba in the 34th minute, the game turned on its head just before halftime when Rodrigo De Paul, playing as a creative midfielder in Messi’s absence, leveled the score with his first goal for the club, assisted by Luis Suárez intermiamicfDiario ASKSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.

In the second half, Suárez took charge—scoring from the spot with a stylish “Panenka” in the 59th minute—and later assisted Tadeo Allende in the 69th to seal the win with his second assist of the night. Suárez's contributions bring his season tally to double digits in goals and a club-record–equalling number of assists intermiamicfKSTP.com 5 Eyewitness NewsDiario AS.

Miami now tops the MLS clubs in the tournament standings with eight points and becomes the first MLS side to qualify for the knockout stage ESPN.comCBS NewsKSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.

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🔍 Context & Key Takeaways

• Lionel Messi was absent, sidelined with a minor muscle injury sustained against Necaxa on August 2. He watched the match from a suite at Chase Stadium SIWorld Soccer TalkESPN.comKSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.

• Pumas also missed their captain and goalkeeper Keylor Navas, following his red card in the previous match—a dismissal later rescinded to no effect Diario AS+1.

• Rodrigo De Paul, the recent World Cup winner, showcased adaptability in his new club role, delivering a goal and continued creativity Diario ASintermiamicf.

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📊 Spotlight on Players

• Luis Suárez: Match MVP—1 goal, 2 assists. His performance underscores his leadership role in Messi’s absence intermiamicfDiario AS.

• Rodrigo De Paul: Delivered his first Miami goal in crucial timing and solidified his value as an attacking midfielder Diario ASintermiamicf.

• Tadeo Allende: Added to the scoreline with a clinical finish off Suárez’s assist, contributing to his strong season form intermiamicfWikipedia.

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🧭 What’s Next?

Inter Miami will discover their quarterfinal opponent later today. Next up is an MLS matchup against Orlando City SC on Sunday, August 10 intermiamicf.

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TL;DR

• Inter Miami won 3–1 over Pumas UNAM.

• Messi out injured; Suárez led the rescue with goal + 2 assists.

• De Paul scored his first goal; Allende also found the net.

• Miami qualifies for quarterfinals, leading all MLS teams in the tournament.

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