Messi is not needed, Suarez can handle it. Inter Miami won the first match of the League Cup

This week, the Leagues Cup matches kicked off, and today marked the first match for Inter Miami.

The Florida club is in Group 11 along with UANL Tigres and Puebla. Their first-round match was against Puebla and took place at the Chase Center Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Inter Miami's star player, Lionel Messi, was unable to participate in the match as the Argentine is still recovering from an injury sustained in the Copa America final. Despite Messi's absence, his team secured a victory.

In the ninth minute, the hosts made a defensive error, which the visitors capitalized on. Yannick Bright intercepted the ball and passed it to Robert Taylor, who found Matias Rojas in the penalty area. The Paraguayan struck a powerful shot into the net.

Inter Miami's second goal came thanks to a combination of former Barcelona players. A pass from the center circle cut through the entire opposing defense, finding Jordi Alba at the edge of the box. Alba drew the goalkeeper out and passed the ball to Luis Suarez, who easily scored into the empty net.

Leagues Cup
First Round
Puebla 0-2 Inter Miami
Goals: Rojas 9’, Suarez 72’

As a result of the first round, Inter Miami sits at the top of their group. Their second match against UANL Tigres will take place on August 4, also away.

Lionel Messi has now missed his ninth match for the team, and the timeline for his recovery remains uncertain.