Inter Miami, currently third in the MLS Leagues Cup standings, earned five points from their first two matches after a 2-2 draw against Necaxa, followed by a penalty shootout win for an extra point. Telasco Segovia and Jordi Alba scored in that game, with midfielder Rodrigo De Paul providing both assists—his first for the club. A regulation win against Pumas would guarantee Inter Miami a spot in the Knockout Rounds, scheduled to begin August 19 or 20. Anything less, and qualification will depend on other Matchday 3 results.
The Herons, however, will be without star Lionel Messi, sidelined due to an injury sustained on Matchday 2. This absence has impacted the team’s attacking dynamic, with Inter Miami managing only two clean sheets since June. Luis Suárez, who is expected to play a key role in Messi’s absence, is favored to record multiple shots on target according to betting odds.
Pumas UNAM, coming off a 3-2 victory over Atlanta United, also have five points and sit fifth in the LIGA MX Phase One standings. Midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla is among the tournament’s top scorers with three goals. Pumas will be missing veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who was sent off early in their last match.
The midfield battle between Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul against Pumas’ energetic trio—Pedro Vite, Carrasquilla, and José Caicedo—will be a key factor. With both sides unbeaten and showing defensive vulnerabilities, experts like Martin Green predict an open match with both teams likely to score and over 2.5 total goals. For betting insights, see Green’s analysis at CBS Sports.
Historically, Inter Miami has a strong Leagues Cup pedigree, winning the inaugural edition in 2023 and reaching the Round of 16 in 2024. Pumas, meanwhile, have shown attacking strength in this year’s competition and will look to capitalize on Miami’s defensive struggles.
The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast globally via the Apple TV app, with additional coverage on TelevisaUnivision, FOX Sports, and other networks. For tournament format and standings, refer to MLS Leagues Cup 2025 Explained.
With a Knockout Round berth on the line and both teams level on points, Wednesday’s encounter promises to be decisive in shaping the fate of both Inter Miami CF and Pumas UNAM in the 2025 Leagues Cup.