FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In the final game of the first round of the Leagues Cup on Wednesday, Inter Miami needed a win to advance to the quarterfinals.
The Herons were without superstar Lionel Messi due to a muscle issue in his right leg, according to the club.
That didn’t stop Inter Miami from getting the job done.
Thanks to the efforts of newly signed star Rodrigo De Paul and striker Luis Suárez, the Herons secured a win against Mexican side Pumas UNAM.
Coming off his two-assist game, De Paul netted his first goal in an Inter Miami jersey just before halftime, thanks to a pass from Suárez.
In the second half, Inter Miami drew a penalty after a Pumas player committed a handball in the box.
“El Pistolero” Suárez stepped up to the spot and scored a Panenka to give the Herons a 2-1 lead.
Eight minutes later, Suárez notched his second assist of the night on a pass to Tadeo Allende, giving Inter Miami its third goal of the game.
The match ended 3-1 in Miami’s favor.
Inter Miami advances to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup.
Its next game is Sunday, when it visits Orlando City for the Florida derby.
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.