Inter Miami Advances Without Messi in Leagues Cup

Inter Miami defeated Pumas UNAM 3-1 in the Leagues Cup, advancing to the quarter-finals as the first MLS team to do so this year, despite Lionel Messi missing the match due to a minor muscle injury. Luis Suarez scored a Panenka penalty and provided two assists, while Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende also found the net for Miami. Manager Javier Mascherano expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and reiterated that Messi's injury is minor. Messi's season tally now stands at 24 goals and 10 assists, highlighting his impact despite recent absence. The futures of Messi and Sergio Busquets remain uncertain, as neither has extended their contract beyond December, though Busquets continues to be praised for his contributions. Pumas, without Keylor Navas, were eliminated from the tournament following the loss.