Inter Miami CF vs. Pumas UNAM Preview & Prediction (August 6, 2025)
Inter Miami CF and Pumas UNAM wrap up group play in the Leagues Cup on Wednesday at 7 pm ET, and it’s their third and final league-phase matchup that will go down at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
A regulation win over Pumas UNAM would secure Inter Miami a place in the Knockout Rounds, with the Quarterfinals scheduled for August 19 or 20.
But here’s the thing: Lionel Messi is out, and that’s no bueno for Miami. If Captain Messi doesn’t return to this tourney, do they still have a shot? On the bright side, Inter Miami overturned Maximiliano Falcon’s red card on appeal, clearing him to start at center-back against Pumas.
Pumas sit in a decent position with five points and will aim to knock off Miami despite missing goalkeeper Keylor Navas. The Costa Rican vet, who signed with the club late last month, was suspended in stoppage time against Atlanta.
Miami has won five in a row, Pumas just beat Atlanta 3-2, and the League Cup knockout is on the line! Who do we think will win this one?
Keep reading to find out all you need to know, including the latest betting odds, projected lineups, recent form, tactical matchup, players to watch, and our choices for the three best bets!
Match Details & Stakes
- Matchup: Inter Miami CF vs. Pumas UNAM
- Date & Time: Wednesday, August 6, 7:30 pm ET / 4:30 pm PT
- Location: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- How to Watch: Streaming live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV (Spanish commentary is also running on TUDN/Univision)
- Stakes: Inter Miami can secure a spot in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals with a win in regulation. Anything less? It puts their advancement at risk, and their fate will be dependent on other group results and tiebreakers. Pumas has five points, so they can advance with a win or draw, but like we said, they’ll have to do it without suspended goalie Keylor Navas
Betting Odds
If you are gonna put some cash on this game, look below for the current betting odds and lines via FanDuel:
Moneyline (3-way)
- Inter Miami -105
- Draw +260
- Pumas +260
BTTS
- Yes -196
- No +152
Over/Under
- Over 2.5 (-188)
- Under 2.5 (+142)
- Inter Miami Anytime Goalscorer – Luis Suárez: –150, and first scorer options start at +290
Just remember—odds can shift as tip-off approaches, so always double-check the latest lines before placing your wager.
Projected Lineups & Team News
Both clubs will hit the field with big absences, and that’ll mean necessary tactical changes!
Inter Miami CF
- Out: Lionel Messi (muscle issue) is sidelined again after missing the last fixture.
- Back in: Maxi Falcón is back in business after his red card was overturned.
- Expected XI: Callender (GK); Alba, Kryvtsov, Falcón, Yedlin; Busquets, De Paul, Taylor; Suárez, Gressel, Campana.
- Notes: Martino is expected to rely on midfield organization and tempo control, and Suárez will most likely drop deeper in possession phases.
Pumas UNAM
- Out: Keylor Navas is suspended after last match’s ejection, and Julio González is expected to start in the net.
- Expected XI: González (GK); Aldrete, Galindo, Huerta; Salvio, Molina, Ruvalcaba, Del Prete; Dinenno.
- Notes: Pumas are likely to stress transitional play and front-foot pressure, but the middle third could be a soft spot without Navas marshalling from the back and no real anchor in midfield.
Recent Form & Statistical Breakdown
Okay, how have Inter Miami and Pumas UNAM been playing so far? And what are the stats? We’ve got them below:
- Miami is undefeated in its last 5 games.
- They’ve scored 2+ goals in 4 consecutive Leagues Cup games.
- 11 goals have been scored during their last 5 games.
- They won their match against Atlanta 3-2 in their last Leagues Cup game.
- Pumas’ defense has conceded 2+ in 4 of the last 6 matches.
- The team’s attack is helmed by Dinenno and Salvio, who are averaging 1.8 goals per match.
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) has landed in 6 of the last 7 matches for each club
- Inter Miami is unbeaten in their last 5 at home (4 wins, 1 draw)
- Over 2.5 goals have been hit in 7 consecutive combined matches
Tactical Matchup & Play Style
As for tactical matchups and playing styles, here’s what you’ll get with these two teams:
Inter Miami
- Without their star player, Messi? We expect to see Busquets and De Paul dictate the match with short passing and midfield control
- Suárez is still the focal point in the final third, and Gressel and Campana will be on support
- With Falcón back, Miami could rely on set pieces to break the deadlock
Pumas UNAM
- They play direct and look to turn defensive wins into fast counterattacks
- Their high back line could be pressed by Miami’s wide play and diagonal passing
- Because Pumas is missing Keylor Navas, they’ll need better defensive coordination and strong early communication from González
Will Pumas be able to break through without their veteran goalie in the net? And can Miami control the game without Messi up front?
Players to Watch
There are six players we are watching who will fuel the tempo, spacing, and how chances develop on both sides!
Inter Miami
- Luis Suárez: He’s a veteran forward who still times his runs really well and takes up solid positions in the box.
- Sergio Busquets: He controls the match from deep with steady passing and great positional awareness.
- Telasco Segovia: He brings energy and forward intent, and he’s usually the link between deeper buildup and final-third movement.
Pumas UNAM
- Juan Dinenno: He is a really physical striker who works defenders hard and can finish from close range or on set pieces.
- Eduardo Salvio: He’s a creative presence out wide who pulls defenders out of form and delivers early balls in.
- Jesús Molina: A vet midfield anchor whose positioning and decision-making help Pumas hold their shape under pressure.
Our Best Bets
We’ve got our sights set on three plays heading into Wednesday’s matchup, and they’re all based on recent form, lineups, and tactical setups!
| Bet | Confidence Level | Why Do We Like It? |
|---|---|---|
Inter Miami -105 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | Miami’s midfield control and squad depth should be enough at home, especially with Pumas missing Navas. |
Over 2.5 (-188) | ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) | Both sides create chances and leave space at the back; this matchup leans goal-heavy. |
Both Teams to Score – Yes (-196) | ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) | BTTS has landed in 6 of 7 for both clubs. Even with key absences, the matchup profile supports another. |
What to Expect from the Match
- Miami will look to control the tempo early through Busquets and De Paul, and that’ll force Pumas to defend in deeper lines.
- Because Navas won’t be directing traffic from the back, Pumas could be a lot more vulnerable to Miami’s buildup through the middle.
- Pumas will rely on quick breaks and width if Miami overcommits in possession.
- If the hosts strike first? The momentum could shift toward a more open contest with scoring chances for both.
- It could come down to execution in the final third, and Miami’s experience gives them the advantage here.
Why Miami Will Get It Done
Final Score Prediction: Inter Miami 3 – 1 Pumas UNAM
Why are we backing Inter Miami? Three reasons: they have home-field advantage, better form and midfield control, and a deeper roster, even without their star Lionel Messi.
The defensive foundation will hold, and Suárez still leads a front line that can convert chances.
Sure, Pumas could cause Miami some trouble, but without Navas? They’re exposed when pressed.
That being said, the smarter angle is backing Miami on the moneyline and expecting goals from both teams!
Best Bets Recap
- Inter Miami ML (–105): ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- Over 2.5 Goals (–188): ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
- BTTS – Yes (–196): ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
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