Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In a Leagues Cup quarterfinal clash that quickly became the trending news across the football world, Inter Miami CF delivered a stunning 2-1 victory over Mexican powerhouse Tigres UANL. The dramatic win, secured on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium, saw the Herons advance to the tournament semifinals despite playing without their talismanic captain Lionel Messi and with head coach Javier Mascherano sent off before the second half. The match served as a profound test of Inter Miami’s resilience and depth, a challenge they met with unwavering determination.
Suarez Steals the Show with Decisive Penalties
The narrative of the night was undeniably penned by Luis Suarez, whose clinical precision from the penalty spot secured both of Inter Miami’s crucial goals. The Uruguayan striker opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, calmly converting a penalty after a cross from Jordi Alba struck the arm of Tigres defender Javier Aquino inside the box. The early lead injected confidence into the Miami squad, who, despite missing their Argentine maestro, showed a cohesive and disciplined performance in the first half.
Tigres, a formidable Liga MX opponent known for their attacking prowess, found their equalizer in the 67th minute through Angel Correa, who skillfully navigated Miami’s defense to slot the ball past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. The equalizer set the stage for a tense finale, with both teams pushing for a decisive blow. As the clock wound down, another handball incident involving Javier Aquino in the 87th minute, confirmed by a VAR review, gifted Inter Miami a second penalty. Suarez, once again stepping up to the challenge, showcased his experience and composure, burying the spot-kick in the 89th minute to restore Miami’s lead and send the home crowd into a frenzy. The final moments saw Tigres desperately seek another equalizer, with a late header from Edgar Lopez agonizingly striking both posts, but Miami’s defense held firm to clinch the hard-fought victory.
Messi’s Absence: A Calculated Precaution
One of the most significant pre-match storylines was the absence of Lionel Messi, who was ruled out due to a minor right hamstring injury. Messi had initially sustained the injury on August 2 against Necaxa in the Leagues Cup group stage and subsequently missed two games. While he returned as a substitute against the LA Galaxy on August 16, scoring and assisting in a 3-1 win, he reportedly felt discomfort during his 45-minute appearance. The decision to rest Messi against Tigres was a precautionary measure, as confirmed by assistant coach Javier Morales, prioritizing his long-term fitness over a single knockout match. Messi was seen observing the thrilling encounter from the stands, a testament to the team’s ability to perform under pressure without their primary creative force.
Coach Mascherano’s Sideline Drama and Controversy
The drama wasn’t confined to the pitch, as Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, found himself at the center of a developing headline situation. He was shown a red card before the second half began for vehemently arguing with referee Mario Escobar over the extended duration of first-half stoppage time. Despite being ejected from the touchline, Mascherano was observed coaching from a team suite near field level, seen on television gesturing and speaking on his cell phone. This unconventional coaching method sparked debate, though Leagues Cup officials later clarified that such communication is permitted under tournament regulations. Assistant coach Javier Morales took over touchline duties for the remainder of the match, acknowledging the surprise within the coaching staff regarding Mascherano’s dismissal. Mascherano’s red card means he will be suspended for Inter Miami’s upcoming Leagues Cup semifinal match.
Adversity and the Road Ahead
The win was not without further challenges. Inter Miami also saw veteran defender Jordi Alba leave the field early in the second half due to a lower leg injury sustained in a collision. Despite these setbacks, the team’s collective effort, coupled with key saves from goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, proved enough to overcome a determined Tigres side that maintained significant possession throughout the game.
This crucial victory propels Inter Miami into the Leagues Cup 2025 semifinals, where they are set to face Florida rivals Orlando City FC on Wednesday, August 27, at Chase Stadium. The semifinal berth holds significant implications, as it guarantees Inter Miami a place in either the Leagues Cup final or the third-place match, thereby securing qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The fact that all four semifinalists are MLS teams adds a new dimension to this year’s tournament, signaling a shift in regional football dynamics.
Inter Miami’s dramatic quarterfinal triumph against Tigres underscores the team’s growing maturity and ability to perform under duress. Without their iconic forward and with their coach sidelined, the team demonstrated remarkable grit and strategic adaptability. This news solidifies their position as a formidable contender in the Leagues Cup, highlighting the vital contributions of key players like Luis Suarez and the collective spirit that now defines this evolving Miami squad.
