No Messi, No Problem: Inter Miami begin Leagues Cup title defense with easy win

Inter Miami began the defense of their 2023 Leagues Cup title on Saturday, hosting Liga MX side Puebla at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Tata Martino's side came out on top, winning 2-0 and picking up the first three points available in group East 3.

Miami was still without Lionel Messi for this one. Messi injured his ankle during the Copa America final and is still sporting a walking boot, so his return is still very up in the air as the team embarks on this Leagues Cup campaign.

Matias Rojas and Luis Suarez score vs Puebla

It was a quick start for Miami against Puebla, with Matias Rojas opening up the scoring in the 9th minute. Robert Taylor put him into space in the box with a through ball and the Paraguayan finished with authority.

Puebla took a good amount of shots, but not many were on target. They also ceded most of the possession to Miami, and the home side used that to their advantage.

In the 72nd minute, Julian Gressel used a long diagonal pass to set Jordi Alba free. The left back played an easy pass to a wide open Luis Suarez in the box, and the Uruguayan legend slotted it home.

Miami's next game will come against Tigres on August 3, in what will be their second and final Leagues Cup group match.