Suárez Helps Miami Beat Pumas to Reach Leagues Cup Knockouts

Post by : Monika

Photo: AP

In a thrilling and important soccer match, Inter Miami faced Pumas UNAM in the final group game of the 2025 Leagues Cup. This game was very important because the winner would move on to the next round of the tournament, called the quarterfinals.

Even though Miami’s biggest star, Lionel Messi, was unable to play due to a leg injury, the team showed great strength and teamwork to win 3-1 after being down 1-0. This win helped Inter Miami advance, while Pumas was knocked out of the competition.

First Half: Pumas Take the Lead, Miami Fights Back
The match started with both teams trying hard to score, but it was Pumas who broke the silence first. In the 34th minute, Jorge Ruvalcaba from Pumas found a chance and scored the first goal.

It was a surprise for Inter Miami because their defense was strong, but Ruvalcaba made a smart move and sent the ball into the net. This gave Pumas a 1-0 lead and put pressure on Miami.

Miami tried to respond quickly, but the first half was almost ending when they finally got their chance. Just before halftime, Miami’s Rodrigo De Paul scored his first goal for the club.

The goal was impressive because it came from a perfect cross by Luis Suárez. Suárez sent a well-placed ball into the box, and De Paul jumped high to head the ball into the net. This goal tied the game 1-1 and gave Miami hope going into the second half.

Second Half: Suárez Takes Charge and Miami Takes Control
After the break, the game became more intense. Both teams wanted to win, but Miami started to play better and more confidently. The turning point came in the 59th minute when a Pumas defender accidentally touched the ball with his hand inside the penalty area. This mistake gave Miami a penalty kick—a big chance to take the lead.

Luis Suárez, the experienced striker, stepped forward to take the penalty. He did something special: instead of a normal shot, he chipped the ball softly into the middle of the goal.

This style of penalty is called a “Panenka,” and it requires skill and confidence because the goalkeeper usually dives to one side. Suárez’s cool and clever shot scored the second goal for Miami and put them ahead 2-1.

Just ten minutes later, Suárez continued to help his team by making another important play. He passed the ball perfectly to Tadeo Allende, who calmly finished with a goal to make it 3-1. This was Allende’s goal of the season, and the assist by Suárez matched the club’s record for the most assists in one season. Suárez was clearly the key player for Miami in this match.

What This Win Means for Both Teams
The victory was very important for Inter Miami. With this win, Miami earned eight points in the group stage. This was enough to make them the first team from Major League Soccer (MLS) to move on to the knockout rounds of the Leagues Cup.

It was a proud moment for the team and their fans because it showed they could compete with the best teams in the region.

On the other hand, Pumas UNAM ended the tournament with only five points. Unfortunately for them, this was not enough to advance, so they were eliminated from the competition. Their loss meant the end of their hopes in the 2025 Leagues Cup.

Now, Inter Miami waits to find out who their next opponent will be in the quarterfinals. Most likely, they will face a strong team from Mexico’s top league, Liga MX. Teams like Tigres UANL are possible opponents, and this next challenge will be tough.

Stepping Up Without Messi
One of the biggest stories about this game was that Miami won without Lionel Messi, who is often seen as the world’s best player. Messi was injured and had to watch the game from the stands. Many people wondered if Miami could perform well without him on the field.

The answer was yes. Other players stepped up to fill the gap and help the team. Luis Suárez led the way by scoring one goal and setting up two others. He showed great leadership and skill, taking charge when the team needed him most.

Rodrigo De Paul also made a big difference. Though he was new to the club, he quickly proved his worth by scoring his first goal in an important match. His energy and determination helped Miami come back from behind.

Tadeo Allende showed why he is trusted by the coach. His calm and confident finishing for the third goal helped seal the victory. Each player did their part to make sure the team stayed strong and competitive.

Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, praised the whole team after the game. He said that everyone worked hard and adapted well to the challenge of playing without Messi. He especially pointed out how De Paul brought fresh energy, and how the team’s overall strength was more important than any one player.

Why This Match Matters
This match is a great example of how teamwork and leadership can overcome obstacles. Even when a team loses its biggest star player, it does not mean they cannot win. Inter Miami showed that success comes from working together and trusting each other.

The game also showed that a team can adapt and find new leaders when needed. Suárez, De Paul, and Allende proved they can handle pressure and perform well in important moments.

For fans, this match was exciting and inspiring. It gave hope that Inter Miami is building a strong team that can compete at a high level. It also reminded everyone that soccer is a team sport where many players matter.

Detail    What Happened

• Final Score    Inter Miami 3 – 1 Pumas UNAM
• Key Player    Luis Suárez: scored 1 goal, 2 assists
• Equalizing Goal    Rodrigo De Paul’s first Miami goal
• Go-Ahead Goal    Suárez scored a penalty with a chip shot
• Final Goal    Tadeo Allende scored from Suárez’s assist
• Missing Star Player    Lionel Messi (injured, watched game)
• Result    Miami reaches quarterfinals; Pumas out

Looking Ahead
This win gives Inter Miami confidence as they prepare for the next round. The team now has momentum and proof they can win tough games, even without Messi. Their next challenge will be harder, but this victory shows they are ready to face strong opponents.

Pumas will have to reflect on their performance and work on improvements for the future. Although they played well at times, they were not able to get the results they needed to advance.

Inter Miami’s comeback victory over Pumas UNAM was a reminder of the power of teamwork, determination, and skill. Luis Suárez was the hero of the night, leading the charge with goals and assists. Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende also made important contributions.

Even though Messi could not play, Miami showed they are more than one player. Their teamwork, strategy, and hard work paid off. Now, they look forward to the quarterfinals, hoping to continue their strong run in the Leagues Cup.

Leagues Cup 2025