Inter Miami secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 Leagues Cup with a 3–1 victory over Pumas UNAM, thanks to a dominant performance from Luis Suárez, who was directly involved in all three of the Herons’ goals.
Facing a must-win scenario in their final Phase One match, Inter Miami were without captain Lionel Messi, sidelined with a minor muscle injury. The pressure was on at Chase Stadium, and while Mascherano’s side created early chances, they struggled to find the final touch in the attacking third.
Pumas UNAM capitalized in the 34th minute when Pedro Vite floated a perfectly timed ball over the defense to Jorge Ruvalcaba, who struck it past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
But Inter Miami responded just before halftime. Luis Suárez sprinted down the left flank and whipped in a pinpoint cross to Rodrigo De Paul, who controlled it on his chest before slotting home his first goal for the club, leveling the game at 1–1.
Suárez appeared to have given the Herons the lead early in the second half, only for his goal to be disallowed for offside. However, he didn’t have to wait long for redemption. In the 58th minute, a handball in the box by José Caicedo gave Suárez the chance to convert from the penalty spot — which he did with composure, ending a nine-game goal drought.
The Uruguayan capped off his stellar night by assisting Tadeo Allende for Inter Miami’s third goal, sealing a much-needed win and qualification to the quarterfinals.
The Herons will now prepare for their next challenge, with the Leagues Cup quarterfinals set for August 19 and 20.
Luis Suárez Stats vs. Pumas UNAM:
Minutes played: 83
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
