Inter Miami Face Ultimate Test: Can the Herons Soar Without Messi Magic Against Pumas?

Inter Miami's eventful summer campaign rolls on as they prepare to take on Liga MX outfit Pumas in a crucial clash that could secure their spot in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals.

Following a victory against Atlas in their tournament opener and a penalty shootout triumph over Necaxa in their most recent outing, Inter Miami has accumulated five points, placing them third in the MLS Leagues Cup standings. For the Herons, the equation is straightforward: secure a victory to guarantee progression or risk depending on other results in the concluding round of Phase One.

The Herons received devastating news with the announcement that Lionel Messi will be absent from the Pumas encounter due to an injury sustained during the Necaxa match. Javier Mascherano now confronts the challenging task of finding a suitable replacement for the Argentine icon.

Maximiliano Falcón had his one-game suspension successfully appealed and will be eligible to start in the central defensive position. Federico Redondo is expected to step into the starting eleven in place of Messi, partnering with Sergio Busquets in a defensive midfield pairing, which would allow Rodrigo De Paul to operate in a more attacking position.

With home advantage, Miami must secure victory and progress as they attempt to reclaim the Leagues Cup title they captured in 2023.

Here's how Inter Miami might line up against Pumas.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Pumas (4-2-3-1)

GK: Rocco Ríos Novo—Although he has allowed three goals across two matches, Miami's third-string goalkeeper has performed admirably. His 13 saves throughout the competition have positioned the Herons close to advancement.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt—Weigandt netted the decisive goal against Atlas and remains a reliable figure on Miami's right side.

CB: Maximiliano Falcón—With his suspension overturned, Falcón will rejoin the starting lineup and resume his customary role in central defense.

CB: Gonzalo Luján—The 24-year-old Argentine recovered from injury following the Club World Cup and has emerged as Mascherano's most reliable defensive option.

LB: Jordi Alba—The Spanish veteran scored Miami's crucial late equalizer against Necaxa before confidently converting his penalty in the shootout. He remains influential despite his advancing years.

DM: Sergio Busquets—Busquets must deliver an exceptional performance to match the energy of Pedro Vite and Adalberto Carrasquilla.

DM: Federico Redondo—Redondo steps in for Messi and partners with Busquets. He'll handle the bulk of the defensive responsibilities in Miami's midfield.

RW: Tadeo Allende—The Argentine has struggled for sharpness in the Leagues Cup, squandering several clear opportunities. He'll aim to rediscover his form and make a significant contribution with Messi unavailable.

AM: Rodrigo De Paul—De Paul provided two assists in the Necaxa match, operating in the playmaker role similar to his Serie A days with Udinese.

LW: Telasco Segovia—The Venezuelan has been in excellent form recently, finding the net four times in his last four appearances, including twice in the Leagues Cup.

ST: Luis Suárez—Suárez is currently enduring a nine-match goal drought. He's been unusually profligate in front of goal, and Miami desperately need him to rediscover his scoring touch.