Inter Miami CF secured their place in the knock-out stage of the 2025 Leagues Cup after a 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM on Wednesday night, despite the absence of their captain, Lionel Messi.
Messi missed the match at Chase Stadium due to a hamstring injury sustained during the team’s August 2 clash against Necaxa. Although sidelined, the Argentine forward was visibly supportive, celebrating each goal enthusiastically from the sidelines.
Despite conceding an early goal to Pumas, Inter Miami mounted a strong comeback, with goals from Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Tadeo Allende sealing the win.
Under the guidance of manager Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami concluded the group stage with eight points. They earned victories over Atlas and Pumas and drew with Necaxa, later securing an extra point by winning the ensuing penalty shootout 5-4.
The revamped Leagues Cup format awards points during group-stage matches to determine club rankings within their league-specific tables.
Inter Miami, winners of the inaugural Leagues Cup two years ago, will now look to improve on last year’s campaign, which ended in the round of 16 with a defeat to Columbus Crew.
