Of Paul and Suarez Star as an impaired Miami Tame Pumas -

Javier Mascherano praised the new signature of Rodrigo de Paul after the Argentine midfielder filled the void left by the absence of Lionel Messi to inspire Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory on Pumas Unam.

With Messi unavailable due to an injury to the hamstrings – the eight time the winner of Ballon d’Or applauded the Touche – de Paul gave another beautiful exhibition and scored his first goal for the club to secure Miami’s place in the direct elimination phase.

Jorge Ruvalcaba put visitors in front after 34 minutes, but of Paul, who joined Miami of Atletico Madrid on an initial loan agreement on July 26, equalized the half-time.

Luis Suarez put Mascherano’s men in front of the penalty point approaching the hour bar and Tadeo Allende did it 3-1 after 69 minutes.

Dazzling Paul Wows Mascherano

De Paul and Suarez showed their class throughout and the pair has linked for the Levelleur.

Mascherano said: “I am more grateful to Paul’s will and energy than his performance.

“Things can go better or worse, but he shows the desire to put the jersey and play as he does without pre-season. He came back from vacation, and his influence on the rest of the team is a great help.”

We achieved our goal – Miami Boss

The victory meant that Miami finished with eight points of their three group games – regular time victories against Atlas and Pumas added by a shooting victory on Necaxa propelling the Floridians in the quarterfinals.

“This is a great joy. We have achieved our qualification goal, and I think we did it well, playing a big game despite the difficulties we encountered,” added Mascherano.

“I am happy for guys, the effort they make. This is the first goal, but it cannot change anything for us. Now our goal is Sunday (for the MLS match).”

Miami goes to State Rivals Orlando City on weekends and hopes to have Messi available.

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