Inter Miami Clashes with Pumas UNAM: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Inter Miami aims to advance to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals as they wrap up Phase One of the competition with a showdown against Liga MX outfit Pumas.
Miami battled back to secure a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Necaxa that brought them to five points, sufficient to position them third in the MLS standings for the Leagues Cup. As they enter the concluding match of the tournament's opening stage, Javier Mascherano's squad has multiple opportunities to progress to the elimination rounds.
Liga MX team Pumas finds themselves in a comparable position. Efraín Juárez's squad possesses the same point total as Miami but sits fifth in the Liga MX rankings. Pumas needs a convincing victory to leapfrog the teams above them in the table, or must hope those ahead stumble. Any result other than a win would likely end their Leagues Cup journey.
This represents a crucial encounter between two of North America's most beloved clubs as the competition between MLS and Liga MX intensifies.
Here's all the essential information about this Leagues Cup fixture.
What Time Does Inter Miami vs. Pumas Kick-Off?
Inter Miami vs. Pumas Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between Inter Miami and Pumas.
Current Form (all competitions)
Inter Miami | Pumas |
|---|---|
Inter Miami 2–2 Necaxa (5–4 Pens) - 8/2/25 | Pumas 3–2 Atlanta United - 8/2/25 |
Inter Miami 2–1 Atlas - 7/30/25 | Pumas 1–1 Orlando City (4–3 Pens) - 7/30/25 |
Inter Miami 0–0 FC Cincinnati - 7/26/25 | Querétaro 0–2 Pumas - 7/25/25 |
New York Red Bulls 1–5 Inter Miami - 7/19/25 | Pumas 2–3 Pachuca - 7/20/25 |
FC Cincinnati 3–0 Inter Miami - 7/16/25 | Santos Laguna 3–0 Pumas - 7/12/25 |
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. Pumas on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
USA and Rest of World | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
Inter Miami Team News
Miami must navigate this crucial fixture without their star performer. Lionel Messi departed the field injured just 11 minutes into the Necaxa encounter, and Mascherano has confirmed the Argentine icon will be unavailable against Pumas.
Federico Redondo appears poised to take Messi's place in the starting eleven, partnering with Busquets and allowing Rodrigo De Paul to advance into a more attacking role behind Luis Suárez. The experienced forward has struggled since the Club World Cup, going nine matches without finding the net for Miami. With Messi sidelined, Suárez needs to elevate his performance and break his goal-scoring dry spell.
An encouraging development for Miami is that new acquisition De Paul has already shown his quality. The Argentina midfielder provided both assists against Necaxa and controlled the center of the park. Furthermore, Maximiliano Falcón will return to action after his one-game ban for a red card was successfully appealed.
Despite Messi's absence, the Herons retain considerable talent and, with home advantage, should be favored to claim victory.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Pumas
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Pumas (4-2-3-1): Novo; Weigandt, Falcón, Luján, Alba; Busquets, Redondo; Allende, De Paul, Segovia; Suárez
Pumas Team News
Similar to Miami, Pumas will be missing arguably their most crucial player for this encounter. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas received a red card during Pumas's win over Atlanta United, leaving the Liga MX side in a precarious situation.
Pumas began their first two Apertura 2025 matches with 17-year-old Rodrigo Parra in goal. The teenager appeared unprepared for his professional debut, with costly errors in both games contributing to Pumas conceding six goals to open the campaign. Navas's arrival for the third match brought immediate improvement with a clean sheet. Now, with the Costa Rican suspended, Parra is expected to return to the starting role.
Nevertheless, Pumas have emerged as one of Liga MX's strongest performers during the Leagues Cup. Their success stems from midfield excellence. Former Vancouver Whitecaps standout Pedro Vite has impressed since joining the club, quickly developing chemistry with Panama international Adalberto Carrasquilla in the middle of the park.
Carrasquilla ranks among the region's most overlooked talents. He netted twice in the Atlanta United triumph, and his individual brilliance represents Pumas's greatest strength. He must deliver his finest performance for the Mexico City club to reach the Leagues Cup knockout phase.
Pumas Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
Pumas predicted lineup vs Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Parra; Bennevendo, Silva, Duarte, Angulo; Caicedo, Carrasquilla; López, Vite, Ruvalcaba; Martínez
Inter Miami vs. Necaxa Score Prediction
This promises to be a closely fought battle similar to the previous two encounters both sides have contested in their Leagues Cup campaigns.
Both teams excel more in attack than defense, suggesting an entertaining match with numerous scoring opportunities at both ends.
However, even without Messi, the Herons possess superior quality and consistently find ways to emerge from challenging situations, particularly in this tournament.
Suárez will break his goal drought and Miami will advance to the quarterfinals.