Rodrigo De Paul Steps Up as Inter Miami Reach Leagues Cup Quarterfinals Without Injured Messi
No Messi, no problem, at least for now.
Inter Miami marched into the quarterfinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup with a confident 3-1 win over Mexican side Pumas UNAM, and they did it without their talisman, Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar was sidelined with a hamstring injury, but he still showed up to support from the stands. And it was his longtime Argentina teammate and midfield engine, Rodrigo De Paul, who stepped up in his absence.
Yep, De Paul, the guy best known for being Messi’s on-pitch bodyguard during the World Cup, finally made his mark in pink and black with his first goal for Inter Miami. And it couldn’t have come at a better time.
De Paul Delivers the Equaliser
With Pumas leading 1-0 and Miami looking a bit rattled, it was De Paul who settled the nerves. A well-placed cross into the box found him in stride, and with all the composure in the world, he took a touch and calmly passed the ball into the bottom corner. 1-1. Game on.
From there, it was smooth sailing. De Paul’s close pal Luis Suárez joined the party with a goal of his own, and Miami added a third to wrap things up and book their spot in the last eight.
Messi Watches On, But Won’t Play Just Yet
The elephant in the room? Messi’s still injured.
He limped off just 11 minutes into their previous Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa, and early signs of discomfort turned out to be a minor muscle injury in his right hamstring. The tests weren’t too scary, but Miami is treading carefully, especially given his recent workload and age.
While Messi’s recovery is already underway, there’s no clear word yet on whether he’ll return for the quarterfinal or later. But hey, he was in the stadium, smiling and cheering. That’s got to count for something.
What’s Next?
Inter Miami’s quarterfinal opponent will be confirmed soon, but the mood in the camp is upbeat. With De Paul finding his feet, Suárez scoring again, and Messi inching closer to fitness, the Herons are still flying high in this tournament, with or without the GOAT on the pitch.
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