Leagues Cup: Luis Suárez leads Messi-less Inter Miami to quarterfinals with 3-1 win over Pumas

With Lionel Messi sidelined by a minor muscle injury, Luis Suárez took center stage Wednesday night, scoring once and providing two assists as Inter Miami defeated Pumas 3-1 to advance to the Leagues Cup knockout rounds.

Messi, injured early in last weekend’s win over Necaxa, watched the match from a suite at Chase Stadium. Despite his absence, Miami delivered a commanding performance, becoming the first MLS team to clinch a spot in the tournament’s next stage.



Pumas struck first through Jorge Ruvalcaba in the 34th minute, but Rodrigo De Paul equalized just before halftime with his first Inter Miami goal - assisted by Suárez.


De Paul, who joined the club to reunite with Argentina teammate Messi, has now recorded three assists in his first three matches.


Suárez gave Miami a 2-1 lead in the 59th minute, converting a penalty after a handball in the box by Pumas defender José Caicedo. He then set up Tadeo Allende in the 69th minute to seal the win, marking his first goal contribution since the Club World Cup in June.

Inter Miami now sits atop its Leagues Cup group with eight points and momentum heading into the knockout rounds.