Luis Suárez Inspires Inter Miami to 3-1 Victory Over Pumas in Leagues Cup

Luis Suárez delivered a standout performance, scoring once and providing two assists as Inter Miami secured a 3-1 win over Pumas on Thursday morning to progress in the Leagues Cup.

The match was played without Lionel Messi, who remains sidelined indefinitely due to what the club has described as a minor muscle injury in his right leg. The Argentine star sustained the injury in the opening minutes of Inter Miami’s victory over Necaxa on Saturday. Although unavailable for selection, Messi was present at Wednesday’s match, watching from a suite at Chase Stadium.

With eight points in the Major League Soccer Leagues Cup standings, Inter Miami have become the first MLS side to reach the tournament’s knockout stages.

Rodrigo De Paul netted his first goal for Inter Miami in the 45th minute, courtesy of an assist from Suárez, levelling the score after Jorge Ruvalcaba had put Pumas ahead in the 34th minute.

De Paul, the Argentine international midfielder who joined MLS to reunite with national teammate Messi, made his club debut in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atlas last Wednesday and provided two assists in the subsequent win over Necaxa.

Suárez gave Inter Miami a 2-1 lead in the 59th minute, confidently converting a penalty after a handball by Pumas defender José Caicedo inside the box. It was Suárez’s first goal since scoring in Inter Miami’s Club World Cup clash against Palmeiras on 23rd June.

Tadeo Allende sealed the victory in the 69th minute, finishing off Suárez’s second assist of the night.