Suarez steps up in Messi’s absence to send Inter Miami to Leagues Cup quarters

Inter Miami needed someone to step up in Lionel Messi’s absence in order to avoid an early elimination from the Leagues Cup.

Fellow superstar attacker Luis Suarez answered the call.

Suarez scored a penalty kick and delivered two delightful assists to send Inter Miami through to the quarterfinals via a 3-1 home win over Mexican club Pumas UNAM on Wednesday night.

The South Florida side came from behind to grab the group stage victory, as Suarez dished out helpers to Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende that were sandwiched around a goal of his own.

Inter Miami finished 2-1-0 with eight points in the group stage of the Leagues Cup, and as a result will open the knockout phase by hosting a yet-to-be-determined Mexican opponent on either Aug. 19 or 20.

“It’s a great joy as we have accomplished our goal of qualifying,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “I think we did it in a good way by putting forth a great game despite the difficulties presented against an opponent with know-how and an opponent that has important players.”

Missing Messi due to the muscle injury sustained in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Necaxa, Mascherano trotted his team out in a 4-3-1-2 formation that saw De Paul filling the Messi role by playing underneath Suarez.

The Uruguayan benefited from the captain’s absence, getting more touches than normal while being tasked with the responsibility of pulling the strings for the attack.

It was evident on Suarez’s equalizing 45th-minute assist, as the 38-year-old striker latched onto a precise long ball from midfielder Yannick Bright down the left. Suarez then curled in a gorgeous cross to De Paul that the Argentine newcomer tucked away, marking his first goal since joining the Herons and negating Pumas attacker Jorge Ruvalcaba’s opener 11 minutes earlier.

“(Suarez) is insane,” Bright said. “Even at his age, he still makes the difference. It is amazing to watch him play and I feel blessed, not only for Leo but for Suarez as well. “I think his performances get overlooked by Messi’s performances, but they are there every game and he does his job every game. We are so grateful for him.”

Suarez looked to have also made an impact immediately after halftime when a quick free kick was played past a napping Pumas back line. The veteran’s cross-body sizzler found the back of the net, but was eventually whistled back for offside.

No one would deny him on this day, though.

After a handball was called against Pumas midfielder Jose Caicedo, Suarez stepped up to the spot and gave Inter Miami a 59th-minute lead that would not be relinquished via a classy panenka down the middle..

He celebrated his 10th tally of the year across all competitions in the same manner that he had on the negated finish from earlier. Suarez raced over to the sideline to put on a cowboy hat that read ‘Delfi’ — an apparent nod to his daughter Delfina, whose birthday was earlier this week — before blowing a kiss.

“I am happy for Luis because we were talking last week about how difficult it is for a striker when they do not score goals,” Mascherano said. “Today for me he had a very, very good performance, not just because of the goal — but because of the assists, the movements, all the things that he did for the team.”

Suarez was not done leaving his imprint on the game. He helped add to Inter Miami’s advantage in the 69th minute by playing an exquisite through ball to Allende, who finished with a low roller on a night in which he was largely once again wasteful with his chances.

“It is impressive that (Suarez) at his age continues giving his all,” Inter Miami centerback Maximiliano ‘Peluca’ Falcon said of his compatriot. “He keeps showing his desire by chasing down every ball and battling opponents with his know-how, with balls. “That is very important for us.”

Inter Miami will next return to MLS regular season action, traveling to face arch-rivals Orlando City at Inter & Co Stadium in central Florida on Sunday night at 8.

This story was originally published August 6, 2025 at 10:04 PM.