Inter Miami Misses Messi, but Not a Beat
No Messi? No problem. Inter Miami faced Pumas UNAM in a game that had everything on the line for both clubs, but the Herons showed they can thrive even without their biggest star. Lionel Messi sat this one out with a torn hamstring picked up in the previous bout with Necaxa. Eyes quickly turned to the rest of Miami's all-star cast—most notably Luis Suárez, who stepped up big when his team needed him most.
Fans could feel the tension. Both sides needed a win to keep their Leagues Cup hopes alive. Inter Miami had been hanging on to third place in the MLS, while Pumas clawed through Liga MX to sit fifth. This wasn't just about points. This was about pride, momentum, and proving depth beyond one legend.
How the Game Was Won: Suarez, De Paul, and an Unstoppable Spirit
The lineup was always going to spark debate with Messi missing. Rocco Rios Novo took command between the posts, backed by a defense featuring Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Luján, Maximiliano Falcon, and Jordi Alba. In midfield, Miami trusted Rodrigo De Paul and Yannick Bolasie. For Pumas, Jorge Ruvalcaba provided most of their threat up front.
Pumas made the first statement with the opening goal, showing they didn't travel to Miami just to fill in the schedule. But instead of collapsing, Miami turned up the pressure. Luis Suárez, after struggling through a nine-game drought, snapped back into form. He coolly buried Miami’s first penalty in club history with a cheeky panenka, ending a 22-game stretch with no spot kicks even attempted. It lit up the stadium and shot confidence through the team.
If that wasn’t enough, Rodrigo De Paul got in on the action. He notched his first goal for the club, sliding into the spaces usually prowled by Messi and pulling strings in midfield. Jordi Alba showed why experience matters—locking down leaks on defense while pushing up to join attacks. When Tadeo Allende fired in Miami’s third, any lingering nerves were gone. Pumas gave it a go but simply couldn't crack the defensive wall Miami built around Rios Novo.
- Luis Suárez: Back on the scoresheet, scoring and assisting to lead Miami’s turnaround.
- Rodrigo De Paul: Finally found the net for Miami, showing real control in midfield.
- Jordi Alba: Organizer at the back, always looking for chances to surge forward.
The win was more than just a stat boost. It was Miami's 12th Leagues Cup victory—the most by any club—and it sent them into the knockout rounds for the third year in a row. Pumas, meanwhile, had to pack their bags and process elimination, despite an early advantage and flashes of danger from Ruvalcaba.
Even with Messi sidelined and a few yellow cards making things dicey, Miami’s fresh blood and old hands pulled through. The team’s resilience and ability to find new heroes mean this Leagues Cup run could go even deeper—especially when the world’s most-watched number 10 returns.
bob wang
August 7, 2025 AT 20:10Dear fellow enthusiasts, I extend my sincere commendation upon Inter Miami's collective performance; despite the conspicuous absence of Mr. Lionel Messi, the squad exhibited commendable resilience, tactical acumen, and commendable execution. The contributions of Mr. Luis Suárez and Mr. Rodrigo De Paul were exemplary, and their professionalism undoubtedly propelled the team to victory. Moreover, the defensive solidity provided by the distinguished Jordi Alba further fortified the side's endeavors. In summary, this triumph underscores the depth of talent present within the organization, and I anticipate continued success in forthcoming fixtures. Well done, gentlemen! 😊👍
Seyi Aina
August 13, 2025 AT 14:03Man, they finally got Suárez to do something useful after that endless drought. Still, without Messi it's just a footnote.
Alyson Gray
August 19, 2025 AT 08:06Wow, I can barely contain my excitement after watching that game, it was like a rollercoaster of emotions, all rolled into one glorious 90 minutes! First off, I have to say that missing Messi felt like going to a party without the host, but you know what? The rest of the squad stepped up and turned that disappointment into pure fireworks. Luis Suárez, after that maddening nine‑game dry spell, finally broke his silence with a cheeky panenka that had the whole stadium chanting his name, and honestly, it felt like a redemption arc straight out of a movie. Then there’s Rodrigo De Paul, who surprised everyone by netting his first goal, and I swear you could feel the whole place tremble with that moment. Jordi Alba, the seasoned veteran, was everywhere, making those daring runs that reminded us why we love him. The defense, especially the young lads like Maximiliano Falcon, held strong, and I could hear the collective sighs of relief every time they cleared a danger. Even the Pumas tried to fight back, but Miami’s wall was just too solid, like a fortress built on pure willpower. The crowd’s energy was palpable, each chant echoing louder after every goal, and I could see the smiles spreading across faces that had been anxious all season. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that Miami can survive and thrive without relying on a single superstar. The match taught me that depth, heart, and teamwork can outshine any individual brilliance. I found myself shouting “Go Miami!” at the top of my lungs, and my friends were nodding in agreement, eyes wide with amazement. The atmosphere, the tension, the jubilation-it all blended into an unforgettable experience that I’ll be talking about for weeks. And let’s not forget that historic 12th Leagues Cup victory, a record that cements their place in the annals of the competition. In the end, when you think about it, this game proves that sometimes the brightest stars shine from the shadows. I’m still buzzing, and I just can’t wait to see how far they’ll go when Messi finally returns, because now they’ve already shown they’ve got the fire inside.
Shaun Collins
August 25, 2025 AT 01:36Suarez finally scored. Nice.
Chris Ward
August 30, 2025 AT 19:06Honestly i think the hype around this win is overblown. sure they beat pumas but without messi they’re just a good team not a great one. also i think the panenka was risky and could’ve backfired. the real test will be when they face top mexican side again.
Heather Stoelting
September 5, 2025 AT 12:53Great job Miami! Keep that momentum going you’ve shown you’ve got depth and drive
Travis Cossairt
September 11, 2025 AT 06:40i watched the match it was solid defensively they held the lead most of the game nice performance
Amanda Friar
September 17, 2025 AT 00:26Oh wow, another game where a team pretends they don’t miss Messi-because obviously you can just replace a global icon with a panenka and a midfield stroll. In reality, you’re seeing a club that finally learned to score without relying on a single magician. Congrats on the win, but next time maybe try a strategy that doesn’t involve a penalty kick as the highlight.