MIAMI – There are nights when a brand must show its worth without its star player. Last night, in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami CF did just that. With Lionel Messi sidelined due to a muscle injury, the team demonstrated that Javier Mascherano’s business plan runs deep, with players capable of being game-changers. The result: a convincing 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM that secures their ticket to the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Check out the amazing goals here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNCh8FFOLqK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=azUzNHh6OXY1Znc4
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The match was a must-win. Both teams entered unbeaten, but only victory guaranteed qualification without relying on calculations. And the script started with suspense. Pumas scored first with a goal from Ruvalcaba, silencing the home crowd for a moment.
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But this Inter Miami team has character—and more importantly—has a world champion engine. Rodrigo De Paul, the “Motorcito,” stepped up as a scorer and, just before halftime, equalized with a top-class finish, justifying every dollar of his transfer fee.
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In the second half, the show continued. Uruguayan killer Luis Suárez took responsibility from the penalty spot and, true to his style, chipped the ball with class that had everyone on their feet. It was 2-1, confirming that the team’s hierarchy was on their side. To seal the deal, Tadeo Allende scored the final 3-1, igniting celebrations at Chase Stadium.
De Paul’s Value: More Than a Goal
When we talk about performance and assets, Rodrigo De Paul’s game was textbook. According to sports data platform Sofascore, the Argentine midfielder was the MVP of the match with a 8.1 rating. His contribution wasn’t just the goal: he completed the game with 85% passing accuracy, key recoveries, and leadership that the team needed in Messi’s absence. A player whose stock just went up last night.
With this win, Inter Miami not only qualifies but also temporarily leads their group with 8 points—sending a clear message across the continent: this team is here to compete for everything.
Match Snapshot:
Result: Inter Miami 3 – 1 Pumas UNAM
Goals (MIA): Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez (P), Tadeo Allende
Stadium: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
The Data: Inter Miami is establishing itself as a team with multiple attacking assets, showing it can generate value and results even without its top star on the field. The Mascherano project is paying off.
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