Fort Lauderdale, FL – In a night brimming with high-stakes sports drama, Inter Miami CF secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over LIGA MX powerhouse Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup 2025 Quarterfinals. The thrilling encounter at Chase Stadium saw veteran striker Luis Suárez deliver a decisive brace, both from the penalty spot, ensuring Inter Miami’s progression to the tournament’s semifinals. The win was a testament to the team’s resilience, navigating significant challenges including the absence of star Lionel Messi and the mid-match ejection of head coach Javier Mascherano.
Suárez Steps Up in Messi’s Absence
The narrative leading into this crucial match for Inter Miami was dominated by the absence of captain Lionel Messi. The Argentine maestro was ruled out due to a lingering minor muscle injury, which he aggravated recently after a brief return to play. Messi had reportedly felt discomfort after a 45-minute appearance against the LA Galaxy, leading to a cautious decision by the coaching staff to keep him sidelined for the Tigres clash. His absence placed immense pressure on the remaining attacking lineup.
Stepping into that void with characteristic flair was Luis Suárez. The legendary Uruguayan opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 23rd minute, calmly converting a penalty kick. The spot-kick was awarded after Tigres defender Javier Aquino committed a handball within the box. Suárez’s initial strike set the tone, giving Inter Miami a crucial early lead. He proved to be the pivotal figure once more in the dying moments of the game.
A Battle of Resilience and Controversies
The match was far from a straightforward affair for the Herons. Tigres UANL, known for their attacking prowess and led by manager Guido Pizarro, fought back fiercely. In the 67th minute, Argentinian World Cup winner Ángel Correa, a prolific scorer in this Leagues Cup campaign, found the equalizer for Tigres. Correa expertly navigated through the Miami defense, beating goalkeeper Óscar Ustari to level the score. Ustari later made a critical save in the 75th minute, denying Correa a potential go-ahead goal, preserving the tie.
Adding to the tumultuous night for Inter Miami, head coach Javier Mascherano was issued a red card at halftime. The ejection reportedly stemmed from heated protests regarding the amount of stoppage time added to the first half. The coaching staff themselves seemed surprised by the decision, with assistant Javier Morales later commenting that they “didn’t expect the red card.” Despite being forced to the stands, Mascherano was controversially observed attempting to communicate instructions to his bench via a cell phone, a clear violation of Leagues Cup rules, sparking widespread news and discussion.
Further compounding Miami’s challenges, veteran left-back Jordi Alba was forced to leave the field early in the second half due to a lower leg injury. Alba reportedly sustained the injury in a collision with his own teammate, Telasco Segovia, towards the end of the first half, adding to the mounting list of concerns for the squad.
Suárez’s Late Heroics Seal the Win
As the game appeared destined for a penalty shootout, a moment of déjà vu occurred in the 89th minute. Once again, Tigres defender Javier Aquino was adjudged to have committed a handball in the penalty area, a decision confirmed by VAR. Luis Suárez stepped up to the spot for his second penalty of the night, coolly slotting it past Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman to restore Inter Miami’s lead. The 2-1 scoreline held, despite a late scare from Tigres’ Edgar Lopez, whose header ricocheted off both posts in stoppage time.
This brace marked Suárez’s third goal in the Leagues Cup 2025 and his fourth across all competitions in his last four appearances, underscoring his vital role in the team’s success, especially in the absence of Messi. Inter Miami’s statistical performance in the match showed a disciplined effort, with 41.3% possession compared to Tigres’ 58.7%, 13 shots to Tigres’ 11, and a notable 8 fouls committed by Miami versus 15 by Tigres.
Looking Ahead: The Florida Derby in the Semifinals
Inter Miami’s dramatic victory secures their spot in the Leagues Cup 2025 Semifinals. They will now face in-state rivals Orlando City FC on Wednesday, August 27, at Chase Stadium. Orlando City advanced after a goalless draw against Toluca FC, winning 6-5 in a penalty shootout. This upcoming match sets the stage for another highly anticipated “Florida Derby,” adding another layer of intensity to the tournament. Orlando City has held an advantage over Inter Miami in their recent MLS regular-season encounters, having outscored them 7-1 across two previous matches this year.
The Leagues Cup, an annual tournament featuring all MLS and LIGA MX clubs, has an enhanced format for 2025, with teams competing in a Phase One group stage before advancing to knockout rounds. The top three finishers in the competition earn coveted spots in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the champion securing direct entry into the Round of 16. For Inter Miami, the reigning 2023 Leagues Cup champions and 2024 Supporters’ Shield holders, this progression is crucial for their continental ambitions and underscores their continued pursuit of silverware in the 2025 sports season.
