By Tony Álvarez
This is what Leagues Cup is all about — two talented teams, both with wins under their belts, battling for a place in the knockout rounds. Inter Miami and Pumas UNAM will close out Phase One in a high-stakes clash this Wednesday night at Chase Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).
HEAD TO HEAD
- 1st ever meeting
- Record at Leagues Cup: Inter Miami (11-2), Pumas UNAM (5-3)
LAST FIVE GAMES
- Inter Miami
- 4 Wins, 0 Draws, 1 Loss
- Defeated Atlas in their first game, then outlasted Necaxa in penalties.
- Pumas UNAM
- 3 Wins, 0 Draws, 2 Losses
- Started off tournament with shootout win over Orlando City, then beat Atlanta United 3-2.
MAIN STORYLINES
- Lionel Messi´s status uncertain after exciting the match vs Necaxa with an injury.
- Keylor Navas is suspended for this game after seeing a red card against Atlanta United.
- Telasco Segovia has scored in each of Miami's Leagues Cup matches, and had four goals in his last four games overall.
- Pumas have won three straight games, seeking to win four straight for first time since August-September 2020.
- Adalberto Carrasquilla has scored three of Pumas' four goals this tournament, he's one of four players with four players with at least 3 goals this tournament.
KEY FACTORS
- Inter Miami
- Sit in a good position with five points after two matches, but with their goal differential at +1 they could use more goals.
- Rodrigo De Paul has already played a major role for the team. Playing vs Necaxa without Messi and a man down from the 17th minute on, he led his team back with a pair of assists.
- With Messi in doubts to play, Luis Suárez needs to step up on the attack. The veteran forward is currently on a streak of 9 games without a goal.
- Pumas UNAM
- Can Carrasquillo do it again? He's been sensational this tournament with 3 goals in two games, prior to this he hadn't scored since April 5th.
- Who will step up on offense besides Carrasquillo, the team looks towards Guillermo Martínez for a spark.
- Navas has brought stability and leadership to the backline rallying his club to three straight wins, can his replacement do the same.
WHAT TO EXPECT
For the MLS side, the formula is simple: win and they're in. Rodrigo De Paul has been influential through the midfield, consistently supplying dangerous balls forward, while veterans Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez continue to make their presence felt.
But the big question is around Inter Miami’s biggest star. Lionel Messi’s status remains uncertain after exiting early in the match against Club Necaxa with a muscle injury. The club later confirmed a “minor muscle injury in his right leg,” and his availability will depend on how he responds to treatment.
Pumas, meanwhile, are in a decent position but still need help to advance. Like Miami, they sit on five points, but their tiebreakers have them just outside the qualification line. They’ll need a win in 90 minutes, plus favorable results from matches involving FC Juárez, Mazatlán FC, or Toluca FC.
Key to their chances is Adalberto Carrasquilla, who has scored in both Leagues Cup appearances so far. However, the team will be without veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas after his red card against Atlanta United — meaning Club Universidad must be sharp defensively in front of whichever backup Efraín Juárez selects.
It doesn't get much better than this: two iconic clubs, three points on the line, and knockout stage hopes hanging in the balance. A win would not only extend their Leagues Cup journey — it would also inch them closer to a Concacaf Champions Cup berth.
