Javier Mascherano hailed new signing Rodrigo De Paul after the Argentina midfielder filled the void left by Lionel Messi’s absence to inspire Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over Pumas UNAM.
With Messi unavailable due to a hamstring injury – the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner cheered on from the sidelines – De Paul gave another fine display and scored his first goal for the club to secure Miami’s place in the knockout phase.
Jorge Ruvalcaba put the visitors in front after 34 minutes but De Paul, who joined Miami from Atletico Madrid on an initial loan deal on July 26, equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Luis Suarez put Mascherano’s men in front from the penalty spot approaching the hour mark and Tadeo Allende made it 3-1 after 69 minutes.
Dazzling De Paul wows Mascherano
De Paul and Suarez showed their class throughout and the pair linked up for the leveller.
Mascherano said: “I’m more grateful for De Paul’s willingness and energy, than for his performance.
“Things can go better or worse, but he’s showing the willingness to put the jersey on and play the way he does without a pre-season. He just came back from vacation, and his influence on the rest of the team is a great help.”
We achieved our objective – Miami boss
The win meant Miami finished with eight points from their three group games – regular-time wins against Atlas and Pumas added to by a penalty shoot-out victory over Necaxa propelling the Floridians into the quarter-finals.
“It’s a great joy. We achieved our objective of qualifying, and I think we did it well, playing a great game despite the difficulties we faced,” Mascherano added.
“I’m happy for the lads, the effort they put in. This is the first objective, but it can’t change anything for us. Now, our focus is on Sunday [for the MLS game].”
Miami go to state rivals Orlando City at the weekend and will be hoping to have Messi available.
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2025-08-07 09:31:55
