Luis Suarez Shines In Absence Of Lionel Messi As Inter Miami Defeat Tigres To Reach Leagues Cup Semifinal

Inter Miami CF captured a thrilling 2-1 win against Tigres UANL on Wednesday evening at Chase Stadium, qualifying for the 2025 Leagues Cup semifinals. The victory came even though Lionel Messi was out due to a recurring muscle injury.

Early Lead from the Spot

The defending Leagues Cup winners started the game on a high note, with the lead in the first half after Tigres’ defender Javier Aquino was given a handball inside the box. Seasoned striker Luis Suárez confidently scored the resulting penalty to give Miami the lead.

Injury Blow for Alba

Miami’s momentum was momentarily stopped when defender Jordi Alba got injured after colliding with teammate Telasco Segovia. Alba tried to play on, but he was brought off at halftime, being substituted prior to the resumption of the second half.

Mascherano Sent Off at Halftime

Slightly before the start of the second half, head coach Javier Mascherano was handed a red card, due to which he was compelled to leave the touchline. He was replaced by the VIP gallery over the Miami bench by assistant coach Leandro Stillitano for the rest of the match. Red-carded managers are not allowed to talk to the bench according to tournament rules – but Mascherano was heard yelling instructions from the stands and later spotted on the telephone with assistant Lucas Rodriguez Pagano, seemingly in violation of the rules.

Correa Strikes Back, but Suárez Seals It

Tigres came back strongly in the second half, ultimately finding their equalizing goal through Argentine forward Ángel Correa, who struck in the 67th minute to tie the game. But Inter Miami regained the lead quickly when they were given a second penalty for a second Tigres handball in the box. Suárez again took the spotlight stepped forward and struck confidently for his second goal of the night.

Late Drama, But Miami Hold On

Tigres almost won the game in extra time with minutes to spare when Edgar López leaped for a forceful header that hit both posts before rebounding out. Miami held on during the anxious final moments to win the match.

What’s Next for Inter Miami?

With the win, Inter Miami move to the semifinal round, where they will play against the winner of of the Orlando City vs. Toluca encounter. The Herons are still in the running to retain their Leagues Cup crown, even without their inspirational captain.